ends,
Well, today is Halloween. I only know one friend who was born on this day. This
mild mannered guy taught in the math department with me. No, he never seemed to
be possessed by evil spirits.
We will not only have hundreds (close to 200) of children "Trick or Treating"
in our neighborhood from 5:30 PM until 7 PM, but we also have canned goods set
aside for a food drive for a local agency which is trying to restock their food
pantry. The Post Office even has a food drive tomorrow.
I am trying to decide whether I should wear a costume this evening as I pass
out treats. I do like to scare those little goblins, or least see if I can get a
response when the appear at our front door.
We are also fortunate to have a friend with us who will be helping us pass out
candy. She lives in a neighboring town on a dead end street that has only one
or two Trick or Treaters.She misses seeing all the kids in their various
costumes.
I did go to Lee yesterday to visit with my parents. For all the times which I
have been there, I never noticed a little container of Holy Water which is
attached to a wall as you come in from their garage. I decided that I need to
bless myself as I enter and leave their house.
I hope that our parents appreciate that my sister (more than me) and I keep a
watchful eye on my parents.
Yes, I realize that we are not the only siblings who act as caretakers for
their aging parents. We have a friend who is leaving this morning to take his
parents to their home in Florida. When I say "taking", he is driving his parents
in their family car from Massachusetts to the Jupiter Beach, Florida area. They
are stopping in Atlanta to stay overnight with my friend's son and his wife (who
is due to have a baby in mid November). You might be thinking: "Why aren't the
parents flying to Florida?". One parent has some back issues, and really doesn't
like flying.
Linda and her friend had fun time at the Comedy show last evening. She said
that I would have really enjoyed the show. There were a lot of ladies from
different Red Hat groups at the show as well as some men. Our Irish Sister City
President was there with his wife.
I resorted to watching a professional soccer game on ESPN last night. I watched
the New England Revolution team played against an opponent from Chicago. The
game ended up with a score of 0 - 0. Like a sports announcer said on radio one
time: "Soccer is like watching paint dry." This is coming from a person (me)
who used to referee soccer at the youth, high school, and college level.
Linda was right, I should have gone with her to the comedy show.
While watching the game last evening, I received a telephone call from the
Lenox (a town five miles south of Pittsfield) Police Department. The officer
said that he was looking for "Linda Curley". I knew that Linda was at the Comedy
Show in Pittsfield. I asked the officer what was the call in reference to. He
said that the security alarm was going off in The Purple Plume store in Lenox
where Linda worked this summer for her friend. Linda's name must have been on a
contact list at the Lenox Police Department. The officer said that he tried
contacting the owner, but he wasn't successful. I didn't know what to do. I
called Judie (the owner) on her cell phone, which she didn't answer, and left a
message about the alarm going off. I hope that she received my message, and
dealt with the situation.
It is difficult to believe that we are going from 26 degrees right now to the
50's by the end of the day. We are going into a warm up that goes well into next
week even though the nights might be cool. I put away my golf clubs for the
season, but I can get at them very easily.
Politics -- I am tired of all the ads on television, the lawn signs, the mud
slinging, the promises from the candidates. I would vote today if I could.
Well, I have some other e-mails to send. They might be a bit shorter than this
one. My writings at least keeps my mind active.
Have a great weekend, and don't eat too much of the left over Trick or Treat
candy. Linda has to hide it from me for sure.
Linda actually took some candy away from which my mother gave to me the other
day. It was the type of candy that could pull the fillings from my teeth. I
guess I am getting close to gumming my food.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Friday, October 31, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Hello on Thursday Morning
Dear Friends,
Our Wednesday went as planned.
I left the house, and did my UNICO tasks around 9:30 AM.
Linda was doing stuff around the house while I was doing my thing.
I decided to head off to Lee, and visit with my parents.
My visit was with my mother only. My father went to visit a lady in the
hospital in Pittsfield. The senior citizen had fallen last week during one of
his morning social gatherings at McDonalds, etc. The 91 year old lady broke her
leg in four places from the fall. My father helped to get the woman's car back
to where she lives as the ambulance was taking her to the hospital. I must of
gotten some of those volunteering / helping needy people genes from my parents.
During the visit, I also freshened up some of the pictures of our grandchild,
and gave my parents a mini album of pictures from our latest trip to Minnesota
and Kansas.
If I didn't have Linda taking pictures, and spending hours at the photo
processing machine at Wal*Mart, we would probably have no photographs, albums,
etc. She takes some awesome pictures no matter where we are. It might be time to
invest in a better camera for her. Her camera is technologically old.
I had to go back to Pittsfield because I had a doctor's appointment. I have
been experiencing some back pain, but not the type which has a person bedridden.
The doctor checked me out and said that it was a strain. No lifting or golf
playing for a couple of weeks was what the doctor ordered.
I forgot that Linda was socially engaged last evening. She had her once a
month session of BONCO at a friend's house.
Tonight we are socially engaged. We are doing dinner and a play at the
Barrington Stage in downtown Pittsfield with another couple. We are going to see
a production of to "Kill a Mockingbird". Yes, I read the book, as well as did
many a term paper on the subject matter. I saw it on the movie screen. I will
give you a review on Friday morning.
Talk about socially engaged. We are also booked in for Friday night with an ITAM
Lodge function, a Saturday night dinner party, and the Patriot Game on Sunday.
Like I said in a previous e-mail, the busy and sometimes crazy Curley schedule
started as soon as we arrived back home from Kansas.
I tried to watch the World Series, but I lost interest, and started to fall
asleep.
I went to bed so early, and I am up so early that I will need an afternoon nap
to stay awake during the play.
The weather was a bit brisk yesterday as Linda and I were out and about. My
turtle neck, and a wool sweater kept warm and toasty.
Have to grab a second cup of coffee, and read a couple of chapters of a book
before the morning newspaper arrives.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Our Wednesday went as planned.
I left the house, and did my UNICO tasks around 9:30 AM.
Linda was doing stuff around the house while I was doing my thing.
I decided to head off to Lee, and visit with my parents.
My visit was with my mother only. My father went to visit a lady in the
hospital in Pittsfield. The senior citizen had fallen last week during one of
his morning social gatherings at McDonalds, etc. The 91 year old lady broke her
leg in four places from the fall. My father helped to get the woman's car back
to where she lives as the ambulance was taking her to the hospital. I must of
gotten some of those volunteering / helping needy people genes from my parents.
During the visit, I also freshened up some of the pictures of our grandchild,
and gave my parents a mini album of pictures from our latest trip to Minnesota
and Kansas.
If I didn't have Linda taking pictures, and spending hours at the photo
processing machine at Wal*Mart, we would probably have no photographs, albums,
etc. She takes some awesome pictures no matter where we are. It might be time to
invest in a better camera for her. Her camera is technologically old.
I had to go back to Pittsfield because I had a doctor's appointment. I have
been experiencing some back pain, but not the type which has a person bedridden.
The doctor checked me out and said that it was a strain. No lifting or golf
playing for a couple of weeks was what the doctor ordered.
I forgot that Linda was socially engaged last evening. She had her once a
month session of BONCO at a friend's house.
Tonight we are socially engaged. We are doing dinner and a play at the
Barrington Stage in downtown Pittsfield with another couple. We are going to see
a production of to "Kill a Mockingbird". Yes, I read the book, as well as did
many a term paper on the subject matter. I saw it on the movie screen. I will
give you a review on Friday morning.
Talk about socially engaged. We are also booked in for Friday night with an ITAM
Lodge function, a Saturday night dinner party, and the Patriot Game on Sunday.
Like I said in a previous e-mail, the busy and sometimes crazy Curley schedule
started as soon as we arrived back home from Kansas.
I tried to watch the World Series, but I lost interest, and started to fall
asleep.
I went to bed so early, and I am up so early that I will need an afternoon nap
to stay awake during the play.
The weather was a bit brisk yesterday as Linda and I were out and about. My
turtle neck, and a wool sweater kept warm and toasty.
Have to grab a second cup of coffee, and read a couple of chapters of a book
before the morning newspaper arrives.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Hello on Friday Morning
Dear Friends,
It is another frosty morning in the Berkshires. From the low 20's to near 60
degrees is the forecast today.
Yesterday, I tried to take on the role as an electrician. Our lamp post needed
the electrical guts to be replaced. I decided that the homeowner can do it
instead of calling an electrician. Several hours later, and after tripping the
circuit breaker several times, I was successful. The parts cost under $10, but
the time which I spent to make things work correctly took about 4 hours. A color
blind person trying to match up wires may have had something to do with my time
spent.
Around 8 AM, I am going to start picking up leaves. My neighbor started doing
it yesterday when she came home from work. I started to feel guilty when I saw
her doing it. Since a sunny day is the forecast, it would be wise for me to
complete the task.
The food before the play at a downtown eatery was wonderful. The play, "To
Kill a Mockingbird", was okay. I thought that it was slow in the beginning. It
picked up after half time (I mean after intermission). It slowed toward the end.
The good thing was that we were home a little after 9:30 PM since the play
started at 7 PM.
Our grandchild started to crawl the other day. She was close to doing it
before we left Kansas.
Besides making a grocery run to a store which has some "Friday only" big time
sales, we are going to a wake at 4 PM. One of our Lodger members died. He was 82
years old, and he had Alzheimer Disease.
After the wake, we are going to the Lodge with another couple for a fund raiser
dinner. The profits will be going to help pay for the kids Christmas Party. The
Lodge ends up purchasing gifts for 90 + children, and grandchildren of our
members.
Saturday night, there is a big time College Football Game on television. Even
though we will be at a dinner party, we are going to some how weave in watching
the game. Luckily, the host of the party is a big time Penn State fan. Of course
, I have my relatives in Ohio who are big time Ohio State fans. I can't wait
until the contest begins.
Well, I have to grab that second cup of coffee.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
It is another frosty morning in the Berkshires. From the low 20's to near 60
degrees is the forecast today.
Yesterday, I tried to take on the role as an electrician. Our lamp post needed
the electrical guts to be replaced. I decided that the homeowner can do it
instead of calling an electrician. Several hours later, and after tripping the
circuit breaker several times, I was successful. The parts cost under $10, but
the time which I spent to make things work correctly took about 4 hours. A color
blind person trying to match up wires may have had something to do with my time
spent.
Around 8 AM, I am going to start picking up leaves. My neighbor started doing
it yesterday when she came home from work. I started to feel guilty when I saw
her doing it. Since a sunny day is the forecast, it would be wise for me to
complete the task.
The food before the play at a downtown eatery was wonderful. The play, "To
Kill a Mockingbird", was okay. I thought that it was slow in the beginning. It
picked up after half time (I mean after intermission). It slowed toward the end.
The good thing was that we were home a little after 9:30 PM since the play
started at 7 PM.
Our grandchild started to crawl the other day. She was close to doing it
before we left Kansas.
Besides making a grocery run to a store which has some "Friday only" big time
sales, we are going to a wake at 4 PM. One of our Lodger members died. He was 82
years old, and he had Alzheimer Disease.
After the wake, we are going to the Lodge with another couple for a fund raiser
dinner. The profits will be going to help pay for the kids Christmas Party. The
Lodge ends up purchasing gifts for 90 + children, and grandchildren of our
members.
Saturday night, there is a big time College Football Game on television. Even
though we will be at a dinner party, we are going to some how weave in watching
the game. Luckily, the host of the party is a big time Penn State fan. Of course
, I have my relatives in Ohio who are big time Ohio State fans. I can't wait
until the contest begins.
Well, I have to grab that second cup of coffee.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Hello on Saturday Morning
Dear Friends,
Friday went as planned.
I took care of the leaves in front of the house, and on the street next to our
property. The water can flow free down the street when the rains come in today.
Yes, we did make it to the grocery store which had the "Friday Only" specials.
We had lunch at my golf course since we had a few bucks left in our food
account, and the account expires on October 31, 2008. If you don't use it by
then, the cater gets to keep the remaining funds in each members' account.
We went to the 4 PM wake for a deceased ITAM member.
We went to a fund raiser for supper at 5:45 PM at the ITAM with another couple.
By 7:30 PM , we were in our sleep wear. I tried to be the good husband, and
watch some DVR recorded programs with Linda. I fell asleep and started snoring
so loudly that Linda told me to go to bed.
Is this what married couples do on a Friday night? There was a time when Friday
night was the start of several days of fun and merriment before going back to
work on a Monday. Now, I ( and sometimes Linda) don't seem to have the energy
or ability to stay awake.
I will need a nap for sure this afternoon, if I am going to stay awake at the
dinner party which we are attending this evening.
Well, I can't start my inside chores until Linda wakes up. They are of the
noisy variety.
Also, I have to cook up some onions and peppers for the tailgating at the
Patriot Game on Sunday. If I woke her up to the smell of onions and peppers
cooking on the stove, and permeating the whole house, it might put her over the
edge.
I drove her crazy a couple of times yesterday, and I don't think that she wants
a repeat of those episodes. As an example, when we decided to leave the house on
Friday, she tells me the exact order of the places of where we had to go. One of
the places is located a less than a mile from our house. I drove right by the
place, and had to do a u-turn. This sort of set the tone of what was to follow.
Well, I have to finish reading a book. I think that this is a quiet activity.
Have a great weekend.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Friday went as planned.
I took care of the leaves in front of the house, and on the street next to our
property. The water can flow free down the street when the rains come in today.
Yes, we did make it to the grocery store which had the "Friday Only" specials.
We had lunch at my golf course since we had a few bucks left in our food
account, and the account expires on October 31, 2008. If you don't use it by
then, the cater gets to keep the remaining funds in each members' account.
We went to the 4 PM wake for a deceased ITAM member.
We went to a fund raiser for supper at 5:45 PM at the ITAM with another couple.
By 7:30 PM , we were in our sleep wear. I tried to be the good husband, and
watch some DVR recorded programs with Linda. I fell asleep and started snoring
so loudly that Linda told me to go to bed.
Is this what married couples do on a Friday night? There was a time when Friday
night was the start of several days of fun and merriment before going back to
work on a Monday. Now, I ( and sometimes Linda) don't seem to have the energy
or ability to stay awake.
I will need a nap for sure this afternoon, if I am going to stay awake at the
dinner party which we are attending this evening.
Well, I can't start my inside chores until Linda wakes up. They are of the
noisy variety.
Also, I have to cook up some onions and peppers for the tailgating at the
Patriot Game on Sunday. If I woke her up to the smell of onions and peppers
cooking on the stove, and permeating the whole house, it might put her over the
edge.
I drove her crazy a couple of times yesterday, and I don't think that she wants
a repeat of those episodes. As an example, when we decided to leave the house on
Friday, she tells me the exact order of the places of where we had to go. One of
the places is located a less than a mile from our house. I drove right by the
place, and had to do a u-turn. This sort of set the tone of what was to follow.
Well, I have to finish reading a book. I think that this is a quiet activity.
Have a great weekend.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Hello on Sunday morning
Dear Friends,
The dinner party went well last evening. There was much food, fun and
merriment.
The theme of the food was Italian. Chicken Parm, stuffed shells, eggplant
lasagna, meatballs all with a red sauce. The food was better than any
restaurant. The home made dessert , which was an apple crisp, was made using
fresh apples. A scoop of French Vanilla ice creme made it supreme.
I am all packed , and ready to head out the door for the Patriot Football
game. If all goes well, we will be at the stadium at 9 AM. McCurley, bacon, egg,
and cheese on an English muffin will be the first selection of food. Sausage
with onions, and peppers will be the lunch time fare.
Have to get dressed.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Go Patriots!
The dinner party went well last evening. There was much food, fun and
merriment.
The theme of the food was Italian. Chicken Parm, stuffed shells, eggplant
lasagna, meatballs all with a red sauce. The food was better than any
restaurant. The home made dessert , which was an apple crisp, was made using
fresh apples. A scoop of French Vanilla ice creme made it supreme.
I am all packed , and ready to head out the door for the Patriot Football
game. If all goes well, we will be at the stadium at 9 AM. McCurley, bacon, egg,
and cheese on an English muffin will be the first selection of food. Sausage
with onions, and peppers will be the lunch time fare.
Have to get dressed.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Go Patriots!
Hello on Monday Morning
Dear Friends,
Us Patriot fans had something to cheer about on Sunday. The weather was
wonderful. It was short sleeves and sunglasses day at the Stadium. I figure
that this was the last day of getting a suntan at the Stadium for the rest of
the season.
Everything went exactly as planned for me on Sunday. I fired up the grill as
soon as we parked the car at 9 AM at Gillette Stadium. I put the bacon on the
grill first. When that was done, I grill the English muffins & bagels as I
prepared the fried eggs. I topped the eggs with slices of processed cheese.
Every person had two of the McCurley bacon, egg, and cheese sandwiches. The last
two eggs, of the dozen which I took, were consumed by one of the five
individuals without any of the bread products. He finished off the bacon too.
I know that some of you might not like the thought of processed cheese on the
McCurley muffin, but my friends said that they really don't care for fancy
cheeses on a breakfast sandwich.
Two other friends arrived around 11AM for round two of food. This time it was
those hot and sweat sausages on rolls topped off with my onions and peppers. We
were obviously stuffed by the time which we entered the stadium (12:30 PM).
Linda didn't have a fun time yesterday. She was tied up at the ITAM with an
officers meeting and a membership meeting from 1 PM until 5 PM. I would normally
have been with her. A dues increase was the big item for discussion, but most
people were in favor of the increase after our financial situation was explained
by the President of the Lodge. I felt so guilty that I was having fun as she was
suffering through the meetings. My guilt left me very quickly!
We stayed for the whole game. We had a lot to cheer about. As a matter of
fact, the Patriots are tied for first place in their division with the Bills as
the day of professional football ended.
Linda has a busier week than I do coming up. She has something going Monday
through Friday, and I am not involved with almost all of her activities.
I fired up the crock pot a few minutes ago. Again, we like to try any new
recipe before inviting friends over to join us. This recipe is supposed to
produce a rotissierre type of chicken in the crock pot. Here is what the recipe
says to do:
Put some small Pyrex dishes upside down in the bottom of the crock pot. Season
the whole chicken with the spices which you like, and put the chicken on top of
the Pyrex dishes. Cook it on low for 8 hours, and it will come out like a store
bought cooked chicken.
Notes-- Do not put any water in the crock pot.
The Pyrex dishes which we used are the ones that I use when I want
a handful of nuts, trail mix, etc.
You could skin the chicken before cooking, but I think that it
would be a mistake even though it might me healthier to do so.
I will let you know how the chicken comes out in the morning.
Well, I have to get my first cup of coffee. I slept for over 6 straight hours
last evening which is pretty much a record for me.
Have a great week at work or play. The Curley Lad
Us Patriot fans had something to cheer about on Sunday. The weather was
wonderful. It was short sleeves and sunglasses day at the Stadium. I figure
that this was the last day of getting a suntan at the Stadium for the rest of
the season.
Everything went exactly as planned for me on Sunday. I fired up the grill as
soon as we parked the car at 9 AM at Gillette Stadium. I put the bacon on the
grill first. When that was done, I grill the English muffins & bagels as I
prepared the fried eggs. I topped the eggs with slices of processed cheese.
Every person had two of the McCurley bacon, egg, and cheese sandwiches. The last
two eggs, of the dozen which I took, were consumed by one of the five
individuals without any of the bread products. He finished off the bacon too.
I know that some of you might not like the thought of processed cheese on the
McCurley muffin, but my friends said that they really don't care for fancy
cheeses on a breakfast sandwich.
Two other friends arrived around 11AM for round two of food. This time it was
those hot and sweat sausages on rolls topped off with my onions and peppers. We
were obviously stuffed by the time which we entered the stadium (12:30 PM).
Linda didn't have a fun time yesterday. She was tied up at the ITAM with an
officers meeting and a membership meeting from 1 PM until 5 PM. I would normally
have been with her. A dues increase was the big item for discussion, but most
people were in favor of the increase after our financial situation was explained
by the President of the Lodge. I felt so guilty that I was having fun as she was
suffering through the meetings. My guilt left me very quickly!
We stayed for the whole game. We had a lot to cheer about. As a matter of
fact, the Patriots are tied for first place in their division with the Bills as
the day of professional football ended.
Linda has a busier week than I do coming up. She has something going Monday
through Friday, and I am not involved with almost all of her activities.
I fired up the crock pot a few minutes ago. Again, we like to try any new
recipe before inviting friends over to join us. This recipe is supposed to
produce a rotissierre type of chicken in the crock pot. Here is what the recipe
says to do:
Put some small Pyrex dishes upside down in the bottom of the crock pot. Season
the whole chicken with the spices which you like, and put the chicken on top of
the Pyrex dishes. Cook it on low for 8 hours, and it will come out like a store
bought cooked chicken.
Notes-- Do not put any water in the crock pot.
The Pyrex dishes which we used are the ones that I use when I want
a handful of nuts, trail mix, etc.
You could skin the chicken before cooking, but I think that it
would be a mistake even though it might me healthier to do so.
I will let you know how the chicken comes out in the morning.
Well, I have to get my first cup of coffee. I slept for over 6 straight hours
last evening which is pretty much a record for me.
Have a great week at work or play. The Curley Lad
Hello on Tuesday Morning
Dear Friends,
I hopefully gave our lawn its last cut of 2008 on Monday.
Linda planted her bulbs yesterday, and it is a good thing that she did.
The forecast has our lawn covered with snow as the rains change to snow as a
cold front moves in.
We are in the 4 to 6 inch range for the snow fall. I still have to see it to
believe it.
As soon as it is daylight, I am moving the snow blower from the storage shed
to our garage.
The crock pot chicken came out as the recipe said that it would. I kept on
saying to myself, how would anyone think of putting a whole chicken in a crock
pot on top of upside down Pyrex dishes without any water? The skin wasn't
crispy, but it was like what you purchase in a grocery store in the prepared
food section. We stripped the skin from the bird (which is the healthy thing to
do) before we ate the very moist and tender bird. I prepared a concoction of
potatoes, carrots, and onions to compliment the chicken.
Note-- If you don't have small Pyrex dishes, you could use balled up pieces of
foil to set the bird on. You never want to put the bird on the bottom of the
crock pot because it would be cooking in chicken fat.
If you have never used that crock pot that you got as a gift, you have to try
it. The Curleys have talked many people into using that device that was pretty
much gathering dust in most people's homes. If you are busy, and don't have time
to cook healthy meals, you should resurrect it from your storage room.
Our crock pot didn't get much of a rest. Linda has a cream of broccoli soup in
it right now. It has been brewing overnight. Linda has the Tuesday MahJongg
ladies coming to our house at 11:30 AM today. She didn't tell them that they
will have a chance to sample some of the soup. The ladies normally bring their
own lunches.
I have my usual chores to take care both inside and out (on a limited basis). I
might leave the house all together so the women won't be distracted when they
are playing MahJongg.
Have to grab that second cup of coffee. The Curley Lad
I hopefully gave our lawn its last cut of 2008 on Monday.
Linda planted her bulbs yesterday, and it is a good thing that she did.
The forecast has our lawn covered with snow as the rains change to snow as a
cold front moves in.
We are in the 4 to 6 inch range for the snow fall. I still have to see it to
believe it.
As soon as it is daylight, I am moving the snow blower from the storage shed
to our garage.
The crock pot chicken came out as the recipe said that it would. I kept on
saying to myself, how would anyone think of putting a whole chicken in a crock
pot on top of upside down Pyrex dishes without any water? The skin wasn't
crispy, but it was like what you purchase in a grocery store in the prepared
food section. We stripped the skin from the bird (which is the healthy thing to
do) before we ate the very moist and tender bird. I prepared a concoction of
potatoes, carrots, and onions to compliment the chicken.
Note-- If you don't have small Pyrex dishes, you could use balled up pieces of
foil to set the bird on. You never want to put the bird on the bottom of the
crock pot because it would be cooking in chicken fat.
If you have never used that crock pot that you got as a gift, you have to try
it. The Curleys have talked many people into using that device that was pretty
much gathering dust in most people's homes. If you are busy, and don't have time
to cook healthy meals, you should resurrect it from your storage room.
Our crock pot didn't get much of a rest. Linda has a cream of broccoli soup in
it right now. It has been brewing overnight. Linda has the Tuesday MahJongg
ladies coming to our house at 11:30 AM today. She didn't tell them that they
will have a chance to sample some of the soup. The ladies normally bring their
own lunches.
I have my usual chores to take care both inside and out (on a limited basis). I
might leave the house all together so the women won't be distracted when they
are playing MahJongg.
Have to grab that second cup of coffee. The Curley Lad
Hello on Wednesday Morning
Dear Friends,
Tuesday went as planned. We did get only a coating of snow, and not the large
amounts which western New York State received.
I went to Lee to visit with my parents for a couple of hours just before the
MahJongg ladies descended upon our house.
My parents were in good spirits.
Linda and her former vice-principal were the big winners while playing multiple
games of MahJongg.
In a little over an hour, I am heading out the door to the annual State REAM
(Retired Educators Association of Massachusetts) meeting at the former military
base called, Fort Devens. Registration begins at 9:30 AM. It is a 2 hour plus
drive.
Linda will have several hours of peace and quiet while I am gone.
No, her day won't be completely free. She is hosting a session of MahJongg
tonight, but this is with a different set of friends.
I have started to watch professional basketball. The Boston Celtics had their
Championship ring ceremony before last night's game. They got the season off to
a good start by beating the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Have to go and get dressed. A sport coat and a tie will be required.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Tuesday went as planned. We did get only a coating of snow, and not the large
amounts which western New York State received.
I went to Lee to visit with my parents for a couple of hours just before the
MahJongg ladies descended upon our house.
My parents were in good spirits.
Linda and her former vice-principal were the big winners while playing multiple
games of MahJongg.
In a little over an hour, I am heading out the door to the annual State REAM
(Retired Educators Association of Massachusetts) meeting at the former military
base called, Fort Devens. Registration begins at 9:30 AM. It is a 2 hour plus
drive.
Linda will have several hours of peace and quiet while I am gone.
No, her day won't be completely free. She is hosting a session of MahJongg
tonight, but this is with a different set of friends.
I have started to watch professional basketball. The Boston Celtics had their
Championship ring ceremony before last night's game. They got the season off to
a good start by beating the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Have to go and get dressed. A sport coat and a tie will be required.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Hello on Thursday Morning
Friends,
Our Wednesday went as planned.
I left the house around 7 AM with snow falling. The lawn, and trees had a
coating of snow. As I reached the higher elevations, the snow was a little
deeper. About 20 miles into my 117 mile trip, there were no signs of snow.
The meeting was a typical meeting. The highlight of the program was a person
called Rebecca Rule, who is a story teller, and author. She had us laughing for
45 straight minutes.
Linda did have many hours of peace and quiet. She even fired up the crock pot
for a third straight day. Wednesday, it was a lentil soup. It was so yummy!
I am leaving the house today around 8:30 AM to do some errands, and visit my
parents in Lee. I have to finish a project which I started the other day.
Linda is off to a comedy show this evening with a friend. The show features
three female comedians, one of whom I had seen before on Public Television.
Well, I hope that the baseball team whom you were rooting for won the World
Series. Us people in the Northeast lost the excitement to even watch the series
when the Red Sox got knocked out.
The weather man said that we are in a warm up for the next week or so. I hope
that it continues into next Sunday (November 9, 2008) which is a home game for
the Patriots.
Speaking of the Patriots, they are playing this Sunday at 8:15 PM against their
arch enemies, the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts are favored even though they
have a losing record especially since they are playing the game at home in
their dome.
Don't forget to turn the clocks back this weekend. Linda loves getting an
extra hour of sleep. This is not good for me because this means I will get up
even earlier.
Politics -- I thought that Obama came across very well during his 30 minute
political campaign ad last evening. Of course, I would feel that way since I am
a diehard Democrat. If you watched it, and you were undecided, he could have
changed your mind to vote for him.
Well, I have to start my quiet morning activities.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Our Wednesday went as planned.
I left the house around 7 AM with snow falling. The lawn, and trees had a
coating of snow. As I reached the higher elevations, the snow was a little
deeper. About 20 miles into my 117 mile trip, there were no signs of snow.
The meeting was a typical meeting. The highlight of the program was a person
called Rebecca Rule, who is a story teller, and author. She had us laughing for
45 straight minutes.
Linda did have many hours of peace and quiet. She even fired up the crock pot
for a third straight day. Wednesday, it was a lentil soup. It was so yummy!
I am leaving the house today around 8:30 AM to do some errands, and visit my
parents in Lee. I have to finish a project which I started the other day.
Linda is off to a comedy show this evening with a friend. The show features
three female comedians, one of whom I had seen before on Public Television.
Well, I hope that the baseball team whom you were rooting for won the World
Series. Us people in the Northeast lost the excitement to even watch the series
when the Red Sox got knocked out.
The weather man said that we are in a warm up for the next week or so. I hope
that it continues into next Sunday (November 9, 2008) which is a home game for
the Patriots.
Speaking of the Patriots, they are playing this Sunday at 8:15 PM against their
arch enemies, the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts are favored even though they
have a losing record especially since they are playing the game at home in
their dome.
Don't forget to turn the clocks back this weekend. Linda loves getting an
extra hour of sleep. This is not good for me because this means I will get up
even earlier.
Politics -- I thought that Obama came across very well during his 30 minute
political campaign ad last evening. Of course, I would feel that way since I am
a diehard Democrat. If you watched it, and you were undecided, he could have
changed your mind to vote for him.
Well, I have to start my quiet morning activities.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Hello on Thursday Morning
Dear Friends,
Wednesday went almost as planned.
>The Retired teacher luncheon went exactly as planned. The sit down meal was served, and consumed complaint free. Linda and I came in separate cars because I had to go early to help my treasurer set up for some of the things which we do at the luncheon. Linda actually won one of the prizes during our multi gift raffle. The meeting adjourned at 2 PM.
No, I didn't go directly home. I rushed to the Pittsfield City Hall to catch the last speaker of the Mayoral Reception for our Irish Sister City guests which was held in our city hall chambers. The public was invited to the reception. A good time was had by all.
Linda squeezed in a body maintenance procedure while I was at the city hall.
After the reception, I went home and took a nap. I did so because of the evening event which we had booked in with our Irish Sister City Guests. We were supposed to go to an open mic session at a folk singing type of place located in the middle of our Berkshire Hills. I received a telephone call around 7:30 PM saying that the Irish Guests were tired, and they wanted to take a pass. Some of the people who were invited, including some reporters, were already at the place waiting for our Irish guests to arrive. I am not sure if our Irish Sister City President contacted all the invited guests, and told them that the event was canceled. Oh Darn!
We head East today for our next adventure. I will keep you informed as we make it through this journey.
We are in for a stretch of really nice weather for the Columbus Day holiday period. It we be back to short sleeve weather for several days before a cold front roars in next week. Words like a "frost" will not be found in any Northeast weather forecast for 5 or six days.
The court case, which I was involved in, ended last Friday. The write up was in the local newspaper earlier this week. The case ended up exactly as when I was dismissed from the jury at 3 PM last Thursday. The defendant was found guilty on only one of three indictments.
As far as me describing all the facts, events, and some of the wacky jurors, I think that I better stay away from the written word. I did tell the story to one of our Pittsfield Irish Sister City members at the Pub the other evening. She couldn't believe what she was hearing as I went through all the details of the trial. I think that she thought that it was more of a comedy show than a trial.
The AARP newsletter had a good article about how to add a couple of years to your life. They did a study of people from 1958 to the present time. The key to these extra years was to stay organized, stay busy, and have an upbeat attitude during retirement. I didn't have to have a study done to tell me what I am already experiencing.
We received an email from the Massachusetts Teacher Retirement Board the other day. Our pension fund account has weathered the financial storm. There will be no interruption of our monthly checks.
I really feel bad for some of my friends who work in the private sector, and who were banking on their 401 K 's as their pension. I have no clue what they are going to do. Let us hope that the financial markets make an upward turn soon.
Well, I have to get another cup of coffee, and do some chores inside the house.
Have a great weekend.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Wednesday went almost as planned.
>The Retired teacher luncheon went exactly as planned. The sit down meal was served, and consumed complaint free. Linda and I came in separate cars because I had to go early to help my treasurer set up for some of the things which we do at the luncheon. Linda actually won one of the prizes during our multi gift raffle. The meeting adjourned at 2 PM.
No, I didn't go directly home. I rushed to the Pittsfield City Hall to catch the last speaker of the Mayoral Reception for our Irish Sister City guests which was held in our city hall chambers. The public was invited to the reception. A good time was had by all.
Linda squeezed in a body maintenance procedure while I was at the city hall.
After the reception, I went home and took a nap. I did so because of the evening event which we had booked in with our Irish Sister City Guests. We were supposed to go to an open mic session at a folk singing type of place located in the middle of our Berkshire Hills. I received a telephone call around 7:30 PM saying that the Irish Guests were tired, and they wanted to take a pass. Some of the people who were invited, including some reporters, were already at the place waiting for our Irish guests to arrive. I am not sure if our Irish Sister City President contacted all the invited guests, and told them that the event was canceled. Oh Darn!
We head East today for our next adventure. I will keep you informed as we make it through this journey.
We are in for a stretch of really nice weather for the Columbus Day holiday period. It we be back to short sleeve weather for several days before a cold front roars in next week. Words like a "frost" will not be found in any Northeast weather forecast for 5 or six days.
The court case, which I was involved in, ended last Friday. The write up was in the local newspaper earlier this week. The case ended up exactly as when I was dismissed from the jury at 3 PM last Thursday. The defendant was found guilty on only one of three indictments.
As far as me describing all the facts, events, and some of the wacky jurors, I think that I better stay away from the written word. I did tell the story to one of our Pittsfield Irish Sister City members at the Pub the other evening. She couldn't believe what she was hearing as I went through all the details of the trial. I think that she thought that it was more of a comedy show than a trial.
The AARP newsletter had a good article about how to add a couple of years to your life. They did a study of people from 1958 to the present time. The key to these extra years was to stay organized, stay busy, and have an upbeat attitude during retirement. I didn't have to have a study done to tell me what I am already experiencing.
We received an email from the Massachusetts Teacher Retirement Board the other day. Our pension fund account has weathered the financial storm. There will be no interruption of our monthly checks.
I really feel bad for some of my friends who work in the private sector, and who were banking on their 401 K 's as their pension. I have no clue what they are going to do. Let us hope that the financial markets make an upward turn soon.
Well, I have to get another cup of coffee, and do some chores inside the house.
Have a great weekend.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Hello on Wednesday Morning
Dear Friends,
My friends and I never did play golf on Tuesday. The morning frost delayed our tee time for two hours. We all agreed that teeing off at 12:30 PM would cut into our afternoon activities so we canceled our tee time.
> Linda had a fun time at her Tuesday MahJongg session. I never did ask her if she won many games.
While she was doing her thing, I removed the frost killed flowers in the planters on the deck. I also threw out some semi dead flowers in pots on the deck which would have died last night since we had a frost for a second night.
The wake went as well as could be expected. Many of us early goers were let in the doors before the actual starting time. I happened to pay my respects, and exited the funeral home at 4 PM. One of my golfing buddies was in line right behind me which was totally unplanned.
Every time I go to a wake, I become more and more convinced that I don't want my family to have a wake for me. I used to believe that "wakes are for the living', but I no longer agree to that philosophy. A short prayer service at graveside, and a party for the living after the interment is the best way to approach the death of a loved one. My parents have already expressed this to my sister and I, and we will respect their wishes when the time comes.
On a happier note, Linda and I did go off to the Pub, a couple of miles from our house, for some food, fun, and merriment. Yes, our 6 Irish Guests from our sister city located in Ballina, Ireland were at the Pub. The evening ended early for our guests, and the Curley's. Our guests were taken back to the various places where they were staying because they were exhausted. When Linda and I left around 10:15 PM, the body clocks of our Irish guests were telling them that it was 3:15 AM.
The guests have a full day ahead of them starting with an interview on a local radio station, a visit with the students at St. Joe, a mayoral reception at city hall, golf at Donnybrook C.C. which is a golf course owned by the dad of one of our Irish Sister City Memebers, and finally open mic at a place called Dreamaway Lodge tucked into the mountains of Berkshire County.
Linda and I will not be able to participate in many of Wednesday's activities since I am running a luncheon meeting of that organization which I had mentioned in previous e-mails called REAM (Retired Educators Association of Massachusetts) of Berkshire County.
Politics -- Linda taped the debate while we were at the Pub. She watched it while I went off to bed. I was tired from the manual labor in the first half of the day, and from the couple glasses of beverages which I consumed at the Pub. I hope that you thought that your candidate did a great job.
Well, have a great day at work or play. We are into some great fall weather once we get past the morning coolness.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
My friends and I never did play golf on Tuesday. The morning frost delayed our tee time for two hours. We all agreed that teeing off at 12:30 PM would cut into our afternoon activities so we canceled our tee time.
> Linda had a fun time at her Tuesday MahJongg session. I never did ask her if she won many games.
While she was doing her thing, I removed the frost killed flowers in the planters on the deck. I also threw out some semi dead flowers in pots on the deck which would have died last night since we had a frost for a second night.
The wake went as well as could be expected. Many of us early goers were let in the doors before the actual starting time. I happened to pay my respects, and exited the funeral home at 4 PM. One of my golfing buddies was in line right behind me which was totally unplanned.
Every time I go to a wake, I become more and more convinced that I don't want my family to have a wake for me. I used to believe that "wakes are for the living', but I no longer agree to that philosophy. A short prayer service at graveside, and a party for the living after the interment is the best way to approach the death of a loved one. My parents have already expressed this to my sister and I, and we will respect their wishes when the time comes.
On a happier note, Linda and I did go off to the Pub, a couple of miles from our house, for some food, fun, and merriment. Yes, our 6 Irish Guests from our sister city located in Ballina, Ireland were at the Pub. The evening ended early for our guests, and the Curley's. Our guests were taken back to the various places where they were staying because they were exhausted. When Linda and I left around 10:15 PM, the body clocks of our Irish guests were telling them that it was 3:15 AM.
The guests have a full day ahead of them starting with an interview on a local radio station, a visit with the students at St. Joe, a mayoral reception at city hall, golf at Donnybrook C.C. which is a golf course owned by the dad of one of our Irish Sister City Memebers, and finally open mic at a place called Dreamaway Lodge tucked into the mountains of Berkshire County.
Linda and I will not be able to participate in many of Wednesday's activities since I am running a luncheon meeting of that organization which I had mentioned in previous e-mails called REAM (Retired Educators Association of Massachusetts) of Berkshire County.
Politics -- Linda taped the debate while we were at the Pub. She watched it while I went off to bed. I was tired from the manual labor in the first half of the day, and from the couple glasses of beverages which I consumed at the Pub. I hope that you thought that your candidate did a great job.
Well, have a great day at work or play. We are into some great fall weather once we get past the morning coolness.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Hello on Tuesday Morning
Monday went as planned. We did some chores inside the house before we went off
to do some errands a little after noontime.
Yes, we did attend the Health Care Meeting for City of Pittsfield teachers.
Only active teachers were allowed to vote. The bottom line is that we will be
subsidizing any anticipated savings which the City is projecting. Oh Joy!
My UNICO board meeting well also. It was over in one hour which makes my board
members very happy.
"Good thing for leftovers" was the theme of our supper.
I went to bed a happy man last evening. The Red Sox won the game in the bottom
of the 9th inning with two outs. All the people across the nation who dislike
any Boston sport's teams will have to deal with the Red Sox Nation through the
next round of the playoffs which begin on Friday night in Tampa Bay, Florida.
Go Red Sox!
Our social calendar today has me playing golf at 10:32 AM. This might change
since we had a frost last evening. The temperature was 30 degrees which I got up
this morning. Tee times are now supposed to be two hours later than scheduled. I
might have to bail out on my golf adventure because of prior commitments.
Linda has her regular Tuesday Mah Jongg Session.
We also have a wake to attend at 4 PM for a woman who was the wife of a guy
whom I retired with. The woman was three months older than me. She just turned
62 in September. I believe lung cancer was the cause of death.
No our day doesn't end after the wake. The Irish American Idol finalist from
our Irish Sister City will be arriving in Pittsfield later on today. We are
going to the pub up the street for some food, fun and merriment. We might even
get Liam to sing a few songs with the Irish 4 piece band in preparation for his
concert at the Colonial on Friday night.
Saturday Night Live received great ratings because of the Sarah Pallin
imitation by the actress , Tina Fey. Go to your computer if you missed it.
Politicians, both Republican and Democratic, give comedians a great deal of
material to work with.
Have to get another cup of coffee, and send some personal e-mails.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
to do some errands a little after noontime.
Yes, we did attend the Health Care Meeting for City of Pittsfield teachers.
Only active teachers were allowed to vote. The bottom line is that we will be
subsidizing any anticipated savings which the City is projecting. Oh Joy!
My UNICO board meeting well also. It was over in one hour which makes my board
members very happy.
"Good thing for leftovers" was the theme of our supper.
I went to bed a happy man last evening. The Red Sox won the game in the bottom
of the 9th inning with two outs. All the people across the nation who dislike
any Boston sport's teams will have to deal with the Red Sox Nation through the
next round of the playoffs which begin on Friday night in Tampa Bay, Florida.
Go Red Sox!
Our social calendar today has me playing golf at 10:32 AM. This might change
since we had a frost last evening. The temperature was 30 degrees which I got up
this morning. Tee times are now supposed to be two hours later than scheduled. I
might have to bail out on my golf adventure because of prior commitments.
Linda has her regular Tuesday Mah Jongg Session.
We also have a wake to attend at 4 PM for a woman who was the wife of a guy
whom I retired with. The woman was three months older than me. She just turned
62 in September. I believe lung cancer was the cause of death.
No our day doesn't end after the wake. The Irish American Idol finalist from
our Irish Sister City will be arriving in Pittsfield later on today. We are
going to the pub up the street for some food, fun and merriment. We might even
get Liam to sing a few songs with the Irish 4 piece band in preparation for his
concert at the Colonial on Friday night.
Saturday Night Live received great ratings because of the Sarah Pallin
imitation by the actress , Tina Fey. Go to your computer if you missed it.
Politicians, both Republican and Democratic, give comedians a great deal of
material to work with.
Have to get another cup of coffee, and send some personal e-mails.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Monday, October 6, 2008
Hello on Monday Morning
Dear Friends,
I went to bed after midnight last evening a semi happy man. My Patriots won
their football game, but the Sox couldn't close the deal against the Angels in
the baseball playoff game.
The Sox will play again this evening at 8:30 PM. I am hoping that the
results are better.
I did go to visit my parents yesterday. I took out the two air
conditioners. My parents seemed to be in good spirits. I left as my father was
trying to fill in pill boxes. I hope my sister checks what he did.
My social calendar has some UNICO chores which I must deal with as well as
running a 6 PM board meeting.
Before the 6 PM meeting, Linda and I will be attending a 3:45 PM
informational meeting on Health Insurance. Our city claims that they will save
money if the city gets off Blue Cross & Blue Shield, and goes on to the State
Health Insurance program. The savings usually ends up on the backs of the
employees. Oh Joy!
>
Politics -- Saturday Night Live did another great job of poking fun at Sarah
Palin and Joe Biden during their recent debate. Every time Tina Fey does her
impression of Sarah on Saturday Night Live, I feel that the comedian could do a
great job in the White House too.
Have a great week at work or play.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
I went to bed after midnight last evening a semi happy man. My Patriots won
their football game, but the Sox couldn't close the deal against the Angels in
the baseball playoff game.
The Sox will play again this evening at 8:30 PM. I am hoping that the
results are better.
I did go to visit my parents yesterday. I took out the two air
conditioners. My parents seemed to be in good spirits. I left as my father was
trying to fill in pill boxes. I hope my sister checks what he did.
My social calendar has some UNICO chores which I must deal with as well as
running a 6 PM board meeting.
Before the 6 PM meeting, Linda and I will be attending a 3:45 PM
informational meeting on Health Insurance. Our city claims that they will save
money if the city gets off Blue Cross & Blue Shield, and goes on to the State
Health Insurance program. The savings usually ends up on the backs of the
employees. Oh Joy!
>
Politics -- Saturday Night Live did another great job of poking fun at Sarah
Palin and Joe Biden during their recent debate. Every time Tina Fey does her
impression of Sarah on Saturday Night Live, I feel that the comedian could do a
great job in the White House too.
Have a great week at work or play.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Hello on Sunday Morning
Dear Friends,
My deck has been winterized. The air conditioners (3 of them) have been put away. My snow blower is positioned in the storage shed so that I can get at it easily.
The Curley's are ready for "old man winter" to arrive.
Our flowers in the front and back of the house are still alive until we get our first frost.
While I was doing my multi-hour chores, Linda and a girlfriend went off to an exhibit which highlighted breast cancer survivors. Many of the woman featured are people whom we know. One of the ladies taught with Linda in the science department at Pittsfield High School.
I was dealing with a queasy stomach for most of the day which I usually never encounter. We had soup for supper instead of going out for pizza at the East Side Cafe. I actually went up to bed after supper to semi watch and eventually fall asleep watching football and baseball games. I guess that I should cut back on my partying activities.
I am off to my parent's home in Lee around 8 AM to take out two air conditioners, and visit with them. My 92 year old mother is often cold, and she rarely stayed in the living room where one of the air conditioners is located.
My day will be centered around watching the Red Sox and Patriots.
The Chicago Cubs were eliminated from the playoffs. Manny Ramierz and his Dodgers teammates put the final nail in the coffin. Can you imagine what the Chicago newspapers will look like this morning? There was talk about the Cubs winning the World Series since they played so well during the regular season. Like I said in a previous email, in a short series, any team can win.
Sarah Pallin's folksy approach to politics is starting to grate on our nerves. Linda was leaning toward the Republican ticket after the Convention, but now she is starting to return to her Democratic roots.
Have to go and make some coffee.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
My deck has been winterized. The air conditioners (3 of them) have been put away. My snow blower is positioned in the storage shed so that I can get at it easily.
The Curley's are ready for "old man winter" to arrive.
Our flowers in the front and back of the house are still alive until we get our first frost.
While I was doing my multi-hour chores, Linda and a girlfriend went off to an exhibit which highlighted breast cancer survivors. Many of the woman featured are people whom we know. One of the ladies taught with Linda in the science department at Pittsfield High School.
I was dealing with a queasy stomach for most of the day which I usually never encounter. We had soup for supper instead of going out for pizza at the East Side Cafe. I actually went up to bed after supper to semi watch and eventually fall asleep watching football and baseball games. I guess that I should cut back on my partying activities.
I am off to my parent's home in Lee around 8 AM to take out two air conditioners, and visit with them. My 92 year old mother is often cold, and she rarely stayed in the living room where one of the air conditioners is located.
My day will be centered around watching the Red Sox and Patriots.
The Chicago Cubs were eliminated from the playoffs. Manny Ramierz and his Dodgers teammates put the final nail in the coffin. Can you imagine what the Chicago newspapers will look like this morning? There was talk about the Cubs winning the World Series since they played so well during the regular season. Like I said in a previous email, in a short series, any team can win.
Sarah Pallin's folksy approach to politics is starting to grate on our nerves. Linda was leaning toward the Republican ticket after the Convention, but now she is starting to return to her Democratic roots.
Have to go and make some coffee.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Hello on Saturday Morning
Dear Friends,
Life without jury duty was rather nice on Friday. The court system can function very well without me.
Golf with my senior buddies went okay until we teed off on the 9th hole. Rain started to fall pretty steady as we exited the green on the ninth hole. We put our clubs in the car, and opened the members bar 30 minutes earlier than it was supposed to open.
After a couple hours of fun and merriment, I went home and took a nap.
I needed the nap because Linda and I went off to a 60th birthday party on Friday evening. The party was for one of my golfing buddies who rode with me during the nine holes of golf on Friday. It was supposed to be a surprise party, but you all know how difficult it is for me to keep a secret. The party really turned out to be a surprise. My friend thought that he was going to a fund raiser for the Catholic high school which he graduated from in Pittsfield. His children organized the party. A good time was had by all.
Yes, I did stay up for the Red Sox game. It was a nail biter to the very end (around 1:20 AM before it was over). The Red Sox already flew home after the game from Los Angeles. Fenway Park will be rocking on Sunday when the teams do battle once again. Beating a team on their home field, and going back to Boston with a 2 to 0 game lead is a wonderful thing.
I feel so bad for the fans of the Cubs and White Sox based in Chicago. Both teams are 0 and 2 in the playoffs. Some of their fans are going into clinical depression. They have already started to use the phrase: "Wait until next year" which was the battle cry of the Red Sox for so many years.
Our social calendar is leaning toward being free today. Every time I say that we are free, the telephone rings, and we are booked in for something.
I have so much to do outside today. I am planning to put away all the deck furniture. It sounds simple, but when you have a multi level deck, and a screened in room on the deck, it turns into a major project.
Have to go, and put on some work clothes, and get going with my chores.
Have a great weekend!
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Life without jury duty was rather nice on Friday. The court system can function very well without me.
Golf with my senior buddies went okay until we teed off on the 9th hole. Rain started to fall pretty steady as we exited the green on the ninth hole. We put our clubs in the car, and opened the members bar 30 minutes earlier than it was supposed to open.
After a couple hours of fun and merriment, I went home and took a nap.
I needed the nap because Linda and I went off to a 60th birthday party on Friday evening. The party was for one of my golfing buddies who rode with me during the nine holes of golf on Friday. It was supposed to be a surprise party, but you all know how difficult it is for me to keep a secret. The party really turned out to be a surprise. My friend thought that he was going to a fund raiser for the Catholic high school which he graduated from in Pittsfield. His children organized the party. A good time was had by all.
Yes, I did stay up for the Red Sox game. It was a nail biter to the very end (around 1:20 AM before it was over). The Red Sox already flew home after the game from Los Angeles. Fenway Park will be rocking on Sunday when the teams do battle once again. Beating a team on their home field, and going back to Boston with a 2 to 0 game lead is a wonderful thing.
I feel so bad for the fans of the Cubs and White Sox based in Chicago. Both teams are 0 and 2 in the playoffs. Some of their fans are going into clinical depression. They have already started to use the phrase: "Wait until next year" which was the battle cry of the Red Sox for so many years.
Our social calendar is leaning toward being free today. Every time I say that we are free, the telephone rings, and we are booked in for something.
I have so much to do outside today. I am planning to put away all the deck furniture. It sounds simple, but when you have a multi level deck, and a screened in room on the deck, it turns into a major project.
Have to go, and put on some work clothes, and get going with my chores.
Have a great weekend!
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Friday, October 3, 2008
Hello on Friday Morning
Dear Friends,
I basically answered a "Yes or No" question the incorrect way, and that is why I will be playing golf this morning instead of spending another day at the Pittsfield Superior Court House.
My stupidity is not a bad as bad as you might think it is. This trial could be heading into next week. I could visualize me getting stuck in the trial as our first grandchild gets christened in Minnesota over the Columbus Day weekend.
As you know, I would love to give you more details of exactly what happened, but I will have to wait until the trial is over.
My fellow jurors will miss me with my endless stories during our breaks in the jury room, but I could write a short story about each one of these people too.
On a different note, I haven't swung a golf club in about two weeks. I think that the temperatures will be in the mid forties with a 15 to 20 mile per hour wind as we tee off at 8:30 AM. These are the exact conditions which have me thinking about putting away the golf clubs. When a golfer has to think about how he or she is going to stay warm while while traipsing around the golf course, then the person should be thinking about changing sports.
These conditions would be great football weather, or maybe hunting (except for the wind), but golf should be played wearing a short sleeve shirt, and a pair of golfing shorts, and with temperatures in the mid 70's, and me getting a better sun tan.
Well, the Red Sox reject, Manny Ramierz, continues his career in Mannywood. He is the new hero of the Dodgers, and he has helped this team make it to the playoffs as well as win the first two playoff games.
Joe Torre, a reject from the Yankees, brought these Dodgers to the playoffs in his first attempt as a manager for this team. The New York Yankees are watching the playoffs instead of being in them. What a twist of fate!
My Red Sox will be playing their second playoff game this evening against the Angels at 9:30 PM. I am taking an afternoon nap so that I can watch the game instead of sleeping through it like I did the other night.
My Patriots have an a game in San Francisco on Sunday afternoon so you know what I will be doing.
Have to go and select golfing clothes which might include a turtle neck, wool sweaters, and a pair of winter gloves.
It almost sounds like I am getting ready for ice-fishing instead of golf. Yes, I know some of my golfing buddies think that I have turned into a real wimp. At least my newest set of golfing buddies have my mindset.
Have a great weekend.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
I basically answered a "Yes or No" question the incorrect way, and that is why I will be playing golf this morning instead of spending another day at the Pittsfield Superior Court House.
My stupidity is not a bad as bad as you might think it is. This trial could be heading into next week. I could visualize me getting stuck in the trial as our first grandchild gets christened in Minnesota over the Columbus Day weekend.
As you know, I would love to give you more details of exactly what happened, but I will have to wait until the trial is over.
My fellow jurors will miss me with my endless stories during our breaks in the jury room, but I could write a short story about each one of these people too.
On a different note, I haven't swung a golf club in about two weeks. I think that the temperatures will be in the mid forties with a 15 to 20 mile per hour wind as we tee off at 8:30 AM. These are the exact conditions which have me thinking about putting away the golf clubs. When a golfer has to think about how he or she is going to stay warm while while traipsing around the golf course, then the person should be thinking about changing sports.
These conditions would be great football weather, or maybe hunting (except for the wind), but golf should be played wearing a short sleeve shirt, and a pair of golfing shorts, and with temperatures in the mid 70's, and me getting a better sun tan.
Well, the Red Sox reject, Manny Ramierz, continues his career in Mannywood. He is the new hero of the Dodgers, and he has helped this team make it to the playoffs as well as win the first two playoff games.
Joe Torre, a reject from the Yankees, brought these Dodgers to the playoffs in his first attempt as a manager for this team. The New York Yankees are watching the playoffs instead of being in them. What a twist of fate!
My Red Sox will be playing their second playoff game this evening against the Angels at 9:30 PM. I am taking an afternoon nap so that I can watch the game instead of sleeping through it like I did the other night.
My Patriots have an a game in San Francisco on Sunday afternoon so you know what I will be doing.
Have to go and select golfing clothes which might include a turtle neck, wool sweaters, and a pair of winter gloves.
It almost sounds like I am getting ready for ice-fishing instead of golf. Yes, I know some of my golfing buddies think that I have turned into a real wimp. At least my newest set of golfing buddies have my mindset.
Have a great weekend.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Hello on Thursday Morning
Dear Friends & Golfing Buddies,
The trial has not come to an end. Us jurors are going back to Superior court for a fourth consecutive day this morning. Maybe today things will come to an end.
I have to confess (this is a Catholic religion thing) that I did not stay up and watch the Red Sox Game last evening. I came home so mentally exhausted, and nap starved a little after 4 PM on Wednesday, from the trial, that I couldn't make it past a couple innings of the Red Sox vs Angels opening playoff game which started a little after 10 PM. I think that I went to bed around 11:30 PM, put the radio on in sleep mode (which automatically goes off in 60 minutes). I was fast asleep in less than 5 minutes.
I have so much guilt because I watched pretty much every game throughout the 162 game season. As an example, I remember taking time out of a wedding, which took place on Cape Cod, and heading to the bar to watch a portion of one Red Sox game. They actually lost that game. How could I be so dedicated to a team, and not stay up and watch the first game of this playoff series?
I found out that the Red Sox won the game by a 4 to 1 score. Also, I do remember a fact that the broadcasters made during the pre game that : "24 out of 28 times, the team which wins the first game eventually ends up winning the series." Go Red Sox!
Linda had an extremely pleasant day at home alone yesterday. She left the house to go to the mail box, and that was it for her outdoor activities. She completed making another baby sweater. She made a wonderful crock pot supper for the two of us.
These past few days have been so wonderful for her. I keep on telling her to capture the moment because things will be changing when the trial is over. Franny will soon be back!
Well, I have to grab a cup of coffee.
I might have to iron a long sleeve shirt today for juror duty since some cool weather has rolled into the Berkshires.
You have to look good even if you don't play well which is sort of what I do for the game of golf.
Politics -- The presidential race has been put on the back burner since the stock market crash the other day. I get my news on Saturday Night Live. Tina Fey / AKA Governor Pallin has been so funny. Record it if you can't stay up that late which is what Linda does for me.
I believe the vice-presidential candidates do battle this evening. It should be very interesting. Can Mrs. Pallin go from being photogenic to politically astute?
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
The trial has not come to an end. Us jurors are going back to Superior court for a fourth consecutive day this morning. Maybe today things will come to an end.
I have to confess (this is a Catholic religion thing) that I did not stay up and watch the Red Sox Game last evening. I came home so mentally exhausted, and nap starved a little after 4 PM on Wednesday, from the trial, that I couldn't make it past a couple innings of the Red Sox vs Angels opening playoff game which started a little after 10 PM. I think that I went to bed around 11:30 PM, put the radio on in sleep mode (which automatically goes off in 60 minutes). I was fast asleep in less than 5 minutes.
I have so much guilt because I watched pretty much every game throughout the 162 game season. As an example, I remember taking time out of a wedding, which took place on Cape Cod, and heading to the bar to watch a portion of one Red Sox game. They actually lost that game. How could I be so dedicated to a team, and not stay up and watch the first game of this playoff series?
I found out that the Red Sox won the game by a 4 to 1 score. Also, I do remember a fact that the broadcasters made during the pre game that : "24 out of 28 times, the team which wins the first game eventually ends up winning the series." Go Red Sox!
Linda had an extremely pleasant day at home alone yesterday. She left the house to go to the mail box, and that was it for her outdoor activities. She completed making another baby sweater. She made a wonderful crock pot supper for the two of us.
These past few days have been so wonderful for her. I keep on telling her to capture the moment because things will be changing when the trial is over. Franny will soon be back!
Well, I have to grab a cup of coffee.
I might have to iron a long sleeve shirt today for juror duty since some cool weather has rolled into the Berkshires.
You have to look good even if you don't play well which is sort of what I do for the game of golf.
Politics -- The presidential race has been put on the back burner since the stock market crash the other day. I get my news on Saturday Night Live. Tina Fey / AKA Governor Pallin has been so funny. Record it if you can't stay up that late which is what Linda does for me.
I believe the vice-presidential candidates do battle this evening. It should be very interesting. Can Mrs. Pallin go from being photogenic to politically astute?
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Hello on Wednesday Morning
Dear Friends,
Our Tuesday went exactly as planned.
I performed my Civic Duty until around 3:30 PM. I relaxed at home for several hours before I went off to a Pub for food, merriment, and grog!. The three and one half hours at the Pub went by extremely fast. The Irish Band was still playing as I left at 10:30 PM.
Linda's day of rest went well also. Her book club dinner / meeting at a friend's house was very enjoyable. She said that the host prepared a very delicious meal. The conversation was very nice, but her night ended an hour before mine did.
In a few short hours, I will be going back to perform my third consecutive day of Civic Duty at Superior Court. There might be a light at the end of the tunnel.
Linda might have a day where she doesn't have to deal with any human contact until I return home from my adventure. She has been enjoying these past few mornings of peace and quiet, and without anyone bugging her. I am thinking that she might be wishing that I had to perform my Civic duty more often, or possibly go out and get a job. A job: "Objection -- Sustained, please strike that from the record!"
Well, I am off to do my usual morning activities, and then select clothes appropriate for the court room.
Have a great Wednesday at work or play.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Our Tuesday went exactly as planned.
I performed my Civic Duty until around 3:30 PM. I relaxed at home for several hours before I went off to a Pub for food, merriment, and grog!. The three and one half hours at the Pub went by extremely fast. The Irish Band was still playing as I left at 10:30 PM.
Linda's day of rest went well also. Her book club dinner / meeting at a friend's house was very enjoyable. She said that the host prepared a very delicious meal. The conversation was very nice, but her night ended an hour before mine did.
In a few short hours, I will be going back to perform my third consecutive day of Civic Duty at Superior Court. There might be a light at the end of the tunnel.
Linda might have a day where she doesn't have to deal with any human contact until I return home from my adventure. She has been enjoying these past few mornings of peace and quiet, and without anyone bugging her. I am thinking that she might be wishing that I had to perform my Civic duty more often, or possibly go out and get a job. A job: "Objection -- Sustained, please strike that from the record!"
Well, I am off to do my usual morning activities, and then select clothes appropriate for the court room.
Have a great Wednesday at work or play.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
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