Hello on Sunday Morning

Dear Friends,

I was out in the flower beds at 6:15 AM on Saturday. I woke the next door neighbor up. Her second floor bedroom window faces the flower bed that I was working in first. You might be thinking that how did I know that I woke her up? She closed her bedroom window because I was a bit noisy.

The final phase of planting flowers, and putting down mulch ended at 10:30 AM. We are now ready to entertain on our newly stain deck and screened in room on the deck.

This is exactly what we did last evening. We had an impromptu supper with another couple. After some cheese and crackers, and some grilled Kielbasa, I grilled some vegetables, boneless pork chops, and Linda made a delicious rice to compliment the meal.
After supper we played several hands of cribbage with the men versus the women. The men won the first three hands and were ready to quit, but the females wanted to play one more hand. They did beat us but the victory was a hollow one.

We are waiting the arrival of our daughter -in-law, and her girlfriend (and baby) for breakfast. They were at their 10th college reunion in Saratoga, New York on Friday and Saturday. It was a Skidmore class reunion.

Social Calendar -- We canceled our planned get away to Cape Cod for a few days. We were going to leave after serving our guests breakfast. The cool and unsettled weather on the Cape was the deciding factor.
Also, I haven't seen Mom in a couple of days. I will be visiting her at some point today.

News -- The Boston Police department was given 200 Military M-16 assault rifles free of charge. Mayor Menino doesn't want the patrol officers to be carrying such powerful weapons. I say the bad guys often have more fire power than the police. The military would even train the Boston police how to use the weapons. I think that the Mayor's position is a big mistake.

Sports -- The New York Yankees are now in first place in their division. The Red Sox have lost two in a row at Toronto. I should have listened to my Yankees friends who kept saying: It was "still early" as the Red sox were beating the Yankees.

Politics -- Let's get the confirmation hearings over so the lady can get to work.

Have a great Sunday.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad

Hello on Saturday Morning

Dear Friends,

My Friday didn't go as planned. I decided to skip golf with the seniors. The day went from wet and dreary to spectacular.
Since I didn't play golf, we did things as a couple. Our first adventure took us to Great Barrington to pick up an item which Linda purchased during the radio auction a week ago.
We did lunch at the Barrington Brewery. The lunch was wonderful.
We headed home so that I could get ready for the rescheduled downtown cleanup which started at 2:30 PM. I put on my work clothes, and loaded up my car, but I wasn't feeling that good. The ill feeling wasn't from the lunch food. One of the side effects of the antibiotics (generic), which I am now taking, was exactly how I was feeling. My leg where the wound was located was swollen also. I made a decision to go to bed instead of going to the downtown cleanup. After a two hour nap, I perked up a bit.
We headed to two places to do our final shopping for flowers and bushes. If all goes well today, everything will be planted. This means that the Curley's deck and yard will be in such good condition that we will be ready to entertain. Also, I will have time to return to the links to participate in a little golf.

By 7:30 PM, we needed some food since I started to return to normal. We hooked up with another couple, who usually has eaten by this time, for supper at the Shamrock. The place was mobbed compared to last Friday night. We couldn't figure out what the big change was that made people want to dine out.

News -- How about the pharmacist who shot and killed a masked teenage who was trying to rob a pharmacy in Oklahoma with an accomplice? As the perpetrator was lying on the ground,after being shot, the pharmacist pumped four extra shots into the robber. The NRA, and most citizens say that the pharmacist was justified in what he did. Any thoughts from my readers on the subject?
I say "chalk one up" for the good guys. I work too hard for all my possessions, and I have a right to defend myself, my property, and my family.

Politics -- The Supreme Court nominee is running into a little difficulty from things that she had said at a Latino festival several years ago. We have all said things in the past that we regret that we have said. This shouldn't hold up her appointment.

I am ready to put on work clothes, and get to the planting and the laying down of the mulch while Linda is still sleeping.
We have already decided where all the flowers are going. Linda is better at doing the two flower pots unless I decide not to wait for her.

Have a great weekend.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad

Hello on Friday morning

Dear Friends,

Our Thursday went as planned. Linda's two events went very well.

Me on the other hand, didn't accomplish all of my tasks. I had a doctor's appointment because a blister on my shinbone got infected (after I picked at it a week ago). I am on an antibiotic for ten days. I take a pill four times a day. I have to keep the wound covered bacitracin and and a Telfa pad, and keep dust out of it.
The blister occurred when I was staining last week when I had to use a ladder to stain the screened in room on the deck.
The blister was two inches long before I burst it last Friday.

Our senior golf this morning looks like it might be canceled. We have some morning rain falling right now.
This afternoon the rain will turn to occasional showers.
The downtown cleanup, which I volunteered to do, is still planned (rain or shine), but Linda is nervous about me getting dust in my wound.

If the golf, and the cleanup doesn't happen, Linda and I have a whole bunch of things which we have to do.

Politics -- It looks like the Republicans like the President's nominee for the Supreme Court.

Sports -- I did listen to most of the Red Sox 1 PM game, which they won, while working on shelves in the garage. I had to not only clean the shelves, but cut some left over decking material to reinforce some of the shelves. I did one set of shelves. Does the work in and out side the home ever end?

Our weekend forecast has changed from what was predicted earlier in the week. We are in several days of highs in the 60's after the current front exits the Northeast.

Have a great weekend as May comes to an end.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad

Hello on Thursday Morning

Dear Friends,

Our trip to the Christmas Tree Shops went well. I got weak after about 3 hours of perusing, and purchasing items in the store. When I say the words: "I got weak", this means that I was ready for some food. UNO had a very nice lunch special so that my weakness soon disappeared. By about 3 PM, we headed back to the Berkshires.
We stopped in to see Mom at the nursing home, but she was fast asleep.

Linda had fun at her BONCO session. By the time she arrived home, I was dosing off and on so I headed straight to bed.
I was trying to watch the Red Sox, but they lost another one in Minnesota.

Social Calendar -- Linda has two events today. Her first one is a brunch with the PHS retired ladies. They are traveling to a south county restaurant for brunch. One of the retirees has a grand son who owns a restaurant. He is providing a gourmet brunch for the ladies.
A bunch of us ate there before (Cafe Adam), and we thought that the food was excellent.
Linda is out again this evening for a retirement party of a female friend of ours. She is one of us baby boomers who stayed home longer when she had her children so she had to work a little longer to get her full pension benefits.
I have a couple of errands to do, and then I might attack the shelves in our garage. They are out of control, and we can't find anything. Actually, I am kind of embarrassed to let anyone come in the house through the garage.

Politics -- Newt Gingrich doesn't like the President's choice to fill the vacancy on the Supreme Court. I have a problem with Newt. It is mostly with his name. Every time I hear the name "Newt", I think of a salamander slithering from water to land. Newt has been slithering in the political arena, and he seems like he is gathering momentum at a run for the Presidency.

Have to go, and do some quiet chores.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad

Hello on Wednesday Morning

Linda had fun playing Mah Jongg with her Tuesday group of friends.

After my flower bed, and lawn project, I headed off to the Lee nursing home to see Mom a little after noon. She had just come back from getting her hair done (at the nursing home), and she looked quite nice as well as not looking like a 92 year old person. After a short visit, two therapists came in to take her to therapy. They are working on helping Mom get some up body strength so that she can move herself in bed.

Marie did get discharged from Berkshire Medical Center on Tuesday. With a restricted diet, she should be okay for a while.
Time will tell.

Politics -- The President's choice seems to be well qualified for a Supreme Court Judge. Did she pay all of her taxes?

Don't you just love how President Obama is at ease in front of a microphone? He reminds me a lot of the man who you Republicans called "Slick Willy Clinton" except that he is not a womanizer.

Sports -- My Red Sox lost last evening. It was a pitcher's duel until Jon Lester had his usual one bad inning which the Red Sox could not recover from.

Social Calendar -- Linda and I are heading off to the Christmas Tree Shops today. There are a bunch of items for summer time use which we have on our huge list. Linda has her once a month BONCO session this evening so we can't "shop until we drop."

Observation -- Sleepwear -- Do my readers have different forms of sleepwear? The temperature variations are so great in the Berkshires that I have three forms of sleepwear readily available. I have the summer weight short sleeve, and shorts variety, -- the long sleeve, and pants variety, -- and the heavy duty winter weight variety. Of course, there is the completely naked sleepwear that was used in the first few years of marriage, and before children.
Last night, it was so cool in the basement as I watched the Red Sox, that I actually turned the heat on. I know that some of you think that I am a real wimp for doing so, but who cares if a little happiness costs a few bucks extra.

Have a great Wednesday at work, at play, or at school.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad

Hello on Tuesday Morning

Dear Friends,

Hope that your Memorial Day went well. Ours did for the most part. We visited
my sister in the hospital. She did not appear much better than when I stopped in
several days ago. She was talking about being discharged today, but why if there
has been little improvement?

After the hospital visit, we came home to set up for the cookout before Mah
Jongg. This is where I embarrassed myself. I cooked hamburgs, and hot dogs. Two
of our guests wanted their hamburgs cooked more, and I tried to argue that they
were cooked enough. I sort of lost it. The hand crafted hamburgs were made from
lean beef, and I like to take them off the grill before they get too dried up. I
should have just done what my guests requested. If they wanted their hamburg
well done, then so be it. I violated my rule of "not sweating the little stuff."

The ladies did have fun playing Mah Jongg, and they did so until 4:30 PM. I
watched the Red Sox, and finished savoring a book that Linda bought me at the
dollar store while they played their games.

We had hot dog and hamburgs for supper. The grilling season has begun!

Social Calendar -- Linda is playing with her normal Tuesday Mah Jongg group. I
will be visiting Mom at the nursing home in Lee, and then stop in to see how my
sister is doing at Berkshire Medical Center. If I have enough time and energy, I
will be working on a flower bed or two.

Sports -- The Red Sox and Yankees won their games.

Politics -- North Korea had successful Nuclear and Missile tests. The rest of
the world is not happy. I think that North Korea would be better served if they
tried to unite North and South Korea.

Have a great week at work or play.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad

Hello on Memorial Day

Dear Friends,

Can having too much food, fun, and merriment for several days in a row be a detriment to a person's mental and physical health? My guess that the answer to my question is "No." Life is too short! From what and whom I have observed in hospitals, and nursing homes, there is no way that I /(we) will decline an invitation for a party.

Yesterday's party lasted from 2 PM until we decided to leave around 8:30 PM. I even squeezed in some time to watch the Red Sox win their game (Yankees lost their game). The appetizers, and main meal, and the desserts were wonderful. When you are in the home of Italians, there never is a chance of running out of anything.

There was one point in the party when I acted like a counselor to a friend of mine. We sat alone, and ate at the buffet table. He talked about his friend who passed away the other day. The deceased was the same person who had a daughter who attended St. Anselm's with the Brodeur Lad. I really didn't know the deceased.
My friend went to high school with the 62 year old man, and they were Vietnam veterans, and close friends. My friend shed many tears as he talked about his friend. He said that during the past few nights, he hasn't been sleeping well. He has been waking up in the middle of the night, and walking around the house, while thinking about his friend. This will be difficult Memorial Day for my friend.

This what I mean when I say: "Enjoy life, family, and friends, and don't sweat or complain about the little stuff." We don't really know why some of us are on this earth longer than others. Appreciate every waking moment that you are alive!

On a happier note, one set of Mah Jongg ladies are coming to our house for some hot dogs, and hamburgs for lunch. They need some home cooked food before the games begin. After I cook the food, and lunch with them, I think that I will head off to visit my sister in the hospital, and my mother in the nursing home. I might even cook Dad a nice steak supper with all the fixings.

Politics -- Everything is on hold until Memorial Day is over.
The killing in the hot spots throughout the world continues. Will we ever have peace in the world? Will there ever be an end to war? Can we have a world with just the "Good", and without the "Evil"?

Have a great Monday. Attend a Memorial Day parade if your town has one.
Thank every veteran, past, present as well as the men and women who are currently serving our country.
Talk to you soon. The Curley lad

Hello on Sunday Morning

Dear Friends,

Saturday went as planned. I was first up, as usual, and spent the first hours of daylight getting rid of drop cloths, paint brushes , tools, etc. from the deck, and the screened in room on the deck. I tried to do it quietly, but me cranking up the vacuum cleaner at 8:30 AM woke up the whole neighborhood.

After Linda finished reading the local newspaper, we headed off to the Farmer's Market. We spent a least an hour socializing, and purchasing a car load of annuals. after arriving home, I set up some planting tables for Linda, and she went to work. I wouldn't let her take a break until we planted every flower which we purchased. The fun never stopped until 2 PM. At this point every part of Linda's body was going into paralysis.
My role in the whole planting process was the "Gopher" man. I spent my time making sure the potting soil was readily available, as well as washing out flower containers, and hauling the planted flowers to the appropriate places in the yard.
When everything, with respect to planting was done, and put away, we sat on the deck, and had a cool beverage or two. Linda did say that I was a bit too intense, and that she liked to make the planting process fun as opposed to my philosophy which is to complete the project until you can't physically do it anymore.
Flower pots for the deck, and front steps, and work in the flower beds are our next projects. I can't wait for the Linda and Fran story to continue. This book will be called "Fun with Linda and Fran!"

No, our day didn't end with the flower planting. After a quick shower, I put on my cooking outfit, and grilled some Irish Bangers on skewers for the graduation party which was next on our agenda. The Irish Bangers were a big hit, and they were consumed in an instant.
The party was also wonderful. There was much food and merriment, and we wished that we could have stayed until the party ended.

Our final adventure was to go to the movies with two other couples to see "Angels and Demons". Reading the book first is a real must!

We did arrive home just in time to see the Red Sox lose their game in the ninth inning. The Yankees won their game. Oh Darn!

I am up early today because I have four things to do before we head off to another party this afternoon / evening. Linda wrote out a list of those four things, and I have already completed the first task on this list. I need daylight to complete the second task. The third and fourth tasks can't be completed until the stores are open.

Politics -- Everything is kind of quiet on the political front until President Obama's graduation speeches come to an end.

Mom is all settled in at the Laurel Lake nursing / rehab home. My sister is still at Berkshire Medical Center with her pancreatitis problems. She was having trouble holding down broth, and jello when Linda talked to her on the telephone on Saturday afternoon. I better not tell my sister about the great food at the graduation party. There seemed to be an endless flow of food, and beverages.

Observation -- I sometimes get the feeling that people on the highways, and byways want to get in an accident with me. They pull out in front of me, and they tailgate me because they must think that I drive too slow. Driving with me quite an experience. Good thing that I have a great copilot.

Well, I have to start my second project since I do see a little daylight. This project might have to be moved indoors since some scattered showers just started passing through the area.

Have a great Sunday.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad

Hello on Saturday Morning

Dear Friends,

Our Friday went as planned except that our senior golfers didn't have our pizza party.
Linda did make sure that Mom made it to the nursing home, and was all settled in while I was in the middle of my golf adventure.

Playing golf once per week is not making me a happy golfer.

I am pretty much done staining even though I have three walls, and the ceiling in the interior of the screened in room left. Linda said that she is tired of the confusion, and that she wants me to finish the staining at my own pace. This sounds good to me.

Our overnight house guest (Linda's godchild) left around 6 AM this morning. Yes, I did feed him a couple of the Curley McMuffins, and some Irish Bangers. He had to get back to the eastern end of the State of Massachusetts because he has a construction job to do in Bolton.

He said that the wake that he went to on Friday night went well. He said that the line of mourners were out the door, and around the corner of the funeral home. I told him that I always arrive at least 15 minutes before the starting time for any wake to avoid the long lines.
After the wake, he hooked up with a bunch of St. Anslem's friends who also attended the wake. They partied at few local watering holes until 11:30 PM.

Linda and I have a busy day coming up. We are going off to the Farmer's Market in search of flowers. If the selection and prices aren't great, we will head off to Walmart and Home Depot which are located right next to one another.
No our day doesn't end with planting flowers. We have mid afternoon graduation party to attend. I am going to grill a batch of Irish Bangers for the graduation party guests.

We are in for a cloudy day with temperatures in the lower 70's which good weather for working outdoors. Spotty showers during the mid afternoon are predicted.

The Red Sox and Yankees lost their games on Friday.

Well, I don't have time to be more chatty. I have put together a square table and four chairs for the screened in room on the deck. Hopefully I can do this so quietly that Linda can get a few more hours of sleep. Yeah Right!

Have a great weekend, and take time out to think about, and thank all the people who spent time in the military protecting all the freedoms which we enjoy today. Even though I haven't had any military experience, I do appreciate all the sacrifices that many men and women have made, and continue to make for us.

Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad

Hello on Friday Morning

Dear Friends,

We had a hectic day on Friday. I put out the deck furniture while Linda was still trying to sleep.
When she did get up, I did a little staining on one wall in the interior of the screened in room on the deck. Linda liked it so I am book in for finishing the whole room.

At 10 AM we went to pick up the Irish Bangers, but we had to get them back home so that they could be refrigerated. This is when our multiple trips to Home Depot for new table and four chairs, mulch, potting soil, bushes. herbs, etc. I could have used a truck since we had purchased so much stuff. Luckily, Home Depot is only a couple miles away from our house.

Speaking of Irish Bangers, they were a big hit at the first Third Thursday in downtown Pittsfield. The Bangers and the Irish Whiskey cake, which we sold, were enjoyed by everyone who purchased them. The fire inspectors did come by to check our fire extinguishers. They said that the ones we had were too small. I have three of the 5 lb. ones, but the inspectors said that they were too small for the gas grill which we were using. The health inspector didn't come by unless they did so secretly.
The Irish Bangers were different than the ones which we have used in the past few years, but our members, and the public were very happy with them.

I will be teeing off in a couple of hours with my senior group. Mom will be getting discharged just about the time we will have completed 9 holes. The fun and merriment doesn't end after 18 holes because we have enough funds saved in a little kitty to have a pizza party.

After golf and the party, I have to go to the Lee nursing home to see if Mom got settled in okay.
I also have to call my sister to find out how she made out with her pancreatitis. I am not sure if they kept her in the hospital for a second night.

No, our day does end after the nursing home visit. We will be having an overnight guest who will be coming from New Hampshire to attend a Friday night wake of a friend's dad. The scary thing is that the deceased is the same age as me, and several of the circle of friend's who we socialize with.

The Red Sox, and the Yankees continue their winning ways.

Politics -- The FBI and the NYPD arrested four terrorists who wanted to blow up synagogues. Is the President soft on terrorism?

Observation -- Since I been on the highways on a daily basis, I have noticed that the younger generation likes to drive their cars in the lounging position. I think that this form of driving is a hazard. I want to be able to see well in all directions. If I want to take a nap, I can sit in my lounge chair in the comfort of my own home.

Have to go and select my golfing wardrobe.
Have a great Memorial Day weekend!
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad

Hello on Thursday Morning

Dear Friends,

Our Wednesday went as planned for the most part. I was on the deck staining before Linda woke up. I went from the upper and lower deck floors to the outside of the screened in room on the deck. By the time that I finished the screened in room, the deck floors were dry enough for a second coat.
Today, I am finally going to put out some deck furniture to cover up the less than perfect job that I did.

After the deck staining, I whipped up an item for today's Third Thursday event which takes place from 5 PM until 8 PM on the main street in downtown Pittsfield. I usually show up around 3:30 PM at our designated spot to set up for the event. This year we are setting up right outside the store owned by an Irish Sister City member. The member, Judy Gallup, owns Pasko Frame and Gift store. This is a good spot because the main stage is located next door to Pasko's.
I am picking up the Irish Bangers at 10 AM this morning. The Irish Bangers had to be pre-ordered since they are not something that meat markets or grocery stores keep on hand.

Around 3:30 PM yesterday, I received a telephone call from my father. He said that they had just brought back Mom from another hyper-baric treatment. He also said that my sister checked herself into the hospital.
My sister had a bout of pancreatitis. She happened to be on the same floor as my mother. Mom is located in the rehab wing, and my sister was located in the observation wing.
I visited my sister first. She was in bed and on pain medication with a fan going in her room. She had a headache because she was hungry. She was not allowed to eat or drink anything. I believe she was going to have an endoscopy today to open up a duct near the pancreas. They will enter through her oral cavity. It doesn't sound like fun.
I then visited Mom who looked great. I stayed through the supper hour, and she ate a meatloaf dinner very well. Mom is still on track to be discharged on Friday. My sister was going to help out with the discharge as I was participating in my Friday morning golf with the seniors. My father said that he would deal with the discharge, and take all of Mom's clothes and stuff to the nursing home. Of course, a feeling of guilt kicked in because my father is not not stable on his feet, and he walks with a cane. There is no way that he can take all of Mom's stuff out of the hospital. Maybe, I can find a few moments today, and pack up the stuff, and bring it to the nursing home after golf.
As I left the hospital. I tried to say "Goodbye" to my sister, and tell her about the great job that Mom did with her delicious supper, but my sister was sleeping like a log.

On a happier note, my Red Sox won. I received a telephone call in the middle of the game from my son Kevin, who was at the game with a friend. I didn't tell him that I fell asleep when the Sox were ahead 2 to 0. I missed a bunch of home runs including Big Papi's first one of the season. The roar from the crowd on the television, and his telephone call woke me up. The score was 8 to 0 at the time. (The Yankees won their game too.)

Well, I have to get dressed, and move some deck furniture, and eventually pick up the Irish Bangers.
Have a great Thursday especially since we will be in the 80's before this day is over.

Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad

Hello on Wednesday Morning

Dear Friends,

I don't have time for a long winded e-mail. I am going to put on work clothes, and get to the staining once again.
Today it will be the deck floors on the lower and upper deck. These floors might need a second coat.

I did visit Mom at supper time on Tuesday. I was there through her supper. Mom will be discharged to the Laurel Lake nursing home on Friday.

The Red Sox and the Yankees won both one their contests. The Yankee winning streak is alive and well.

Politics -- I am hoping that the congressional credit card decision turns out to be a good one. Us Massachusetts residents are in for a sales tax hike from 5% to 6.25%. If we stick to food, and clothes under $175, we will be okay since these items are tax free.
Bill Clinton as ambassador to Haiti. Once a politician, always a politician.
Local Politics -- We have five people running for Mayor in Pittsfield.

Linda made it through two Mah Jongg sessions, one of which was at our house. She has two items on her agenda today, and I only have one.

Have to go, and start my project before it gets too hot on the deck. The Curley Lad

Hello on Tuesday Morning

Dear Friends,

It is 32 degrees as I start this e-mail. The frost warning turned out to be a reality. This is exactly why a person can't get too excited about planting flowers this early in the Berkshires.
I do have the heat on to take the chill out of the house, but I will be shutting off the heat in a little while. We are in for a stretch of several days of nice weather.
This means I will return to my deck staining, and the staining of the screened in room on the deck. I won't have Linda around to check for missed spots because she will be busy with Mah Jongg both during the day and night. The night time session will take place at our house.

I have one more meeting to run in June, and my term as President of the local Chapter of UNICO is over. Last night's meeting went well except for the fact that I was a bit wired.
It was so cold yesterday (52 degrees for the high) that Linda and I skipped our respective golf sessions. She went off to the movies with a friend to see a chick flick, and I prepared for my meeting.

I never visited Mom yesterday so I don't know how things went for Mom on Monday. I won't be able to visit with her for least 8 hours today because I have to stay focus with my staining project.

Sports -- The Red Sox are back in action tonight at home. The Yankees are on a roll with so many consecutive wins that they are poised to jump ahead of the Red Sox in their division.

Politics -- A couple of the football players on the Steelers decided to not accept an invitation from the President to attend a White House ceremony honoring the team. If I received such an invitation, I would have been there in a heart beat.

Observation -- As you know, the Curley's tend to be joiners (mostly my tendency). As there were little breaks at various times in last evening's UNICO meeting, I was starting to realize the great connections which I have made with so many people over the past few years.
I am not saying that us men do the same social networking that our female counter parts do, but I can see how important this networking really is.
As a retiree, I am not sure that I could sit home all day, and read a book, or tend to plants in a flower garden, cut the lawn, stain the deck, etc. and just interact with my significant other.
At one point yesterday, Linda knew that I was wired somewhat, and asked me if I had something to do. She actually told me to stop talking, and to stop asking her questions. Most couples want their significant others to communicate with them. Oh well!
Like I always say: "Separation is good."

Food -- Today is a good day for a crock pot supper in our house. When we are both busy, neither of us will have any desire to prepare an evening meal. I am going let the cooking device prepare our entire meal.

Have a great Tuesday at work or play.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad

Hello on Monday Morning

Dear Friends,

Our Sunday went as planned with no deviations.
Linda and her friends went yarn shopping, did lunch, and returned back to the Berkshires.
I attended my two meetings at the ITAM, and visited my mother on the way home.
I stayed with Mom through supper time. She seemed to be in good spirits. The hyper-baric therapy continues today.

We have some errands to do today before we head off to the same golf course, me at 1 PM (if it is not too cold), and Linda at 3:30 PM. My UNICO membership meeting is at the golf course at 6 PM. I am not sure what Linda has planned for after her golf with her girl friends.

It was another bad day for Boston Sports' teams. The Celtics were eliminated from the playoffs. The Red Sox lost in the bottom of the ninth inning. The Yankees won their game with a Johnny Damon home run.

The President's graduation speech at Notre Dame was the big news maker of the day on Sunday.

It is a balmy 41 degrees as this day starts. Today might be a repeat of Sunday since we might not even reach 60 degrees today.

Have a great week at work or play.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad

Hello on Sunday Morning

Dear Friends,

We had a pleasant day on Saturday. I was able to cut the lawn, remove two stumps, do some weeding, help my sister install a kitchen faucet in Lee, and take a nap before going to our evening adventure.

Linda had a non physical day, but she was mentally exhausted before we left for the art show. One of the local radio station had what they call a live auction from 9AM until a little after 5 PM. Linda listened and submitted bids all day long on items which we were interested in. We will be picking the items up at the radio station on Monday morning. It will take two people to do so.

The art show was okay, but a bit smaller than I thought it would be. The artist does water color art work of local sites. She creates her pictures during all four seasons of the Berkshires. If we had a good deal of spare cash, I would have bought one, which I liked, for $800. Our friend did purchase a very nice print for $75.

Since the red and white wine, and the few appetizers were nice , but not filling enough, we ended up at the newly renovated and owned Shaker Mill Tavern. A chef, who was working at a now closed Pittsfield eatery, and his brother bought the place. We all had a very delicious meals. The $2 pints of Pabst Blue Ribbon beer were also a big hit for me and my male friend. Yes, we would go back again.

Linda and I are going in different direction today. Linda is going back to the home of the same fiends whom we were out with last night at 10 AM this morning. Linda, our friend, and her next door neighbor are going off to a yarn store called "Webs" in Northampton. I have been their twice with Linda. I think that she touched every piece of yarn in the place before she made any purchases. This place does a huge amount of business nation wide. Most of the shoppers are women, but I did see several male knitters enjoying the two day sale too.

No, I don't have a free day. We have our monthly board, and membership meeting of our ITAM lodge. Linda is really sad that she will be missing the two meeting.

My Red Sox did win their west coast game, The Yankees won their contest also.
The Celtics are playing for the finals of their quarter final round this evening at 8 PM.
I will never be able to stay up and watch the 10 PM Red Sox game.

Politics -- Pelosi and Limbaugh are in a verbal skirmish which makes for good reading.

Have to go, and slowly read the local newspaper, and the Boston Globe.
Linda wants me to wake her up no later than 8 AM.
Have a great Sunday.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad

Hello on Saturday Morning

Dear Friends,
Our Friday went as planned. Morning golf was more like work than totally fun. It was a wonderful day to be playing in the sun.
After a nap, I visited dear old Mom who just came back from an afternoon hyper-baric session in the medical arts complex right next door to the hospital. Some fruit soaked in grappa perked her right up. I stayed through supper, but had to leave do to an unplanned social engagement.

The fun and merriment on the deck at the Berkshire Hills Country Club ended around 8:30 PM. I did try to stay up and watch the Red Sox game, which started at 10:10 PM, but I could only last one hour.

Today we were going to do some yard work, and spread some mulch, but some more rain is supposed to arrive after noontime.

We are socially engaged this evening. We are going off to a gala opening of an art studio in Great Barrington. Linda and I don't even know the person, but we can hob knob with the rich and famous. We hope the person who owns the gallery doesn't expect us to purchase a painting.

Politics -- My father said that the Curley's are related to the Glendon woman who refuses to speak at the Notre Dame graduation because of the President's stand on abortion.

Speaking of religion -- There was some discussion yesterday about the Celibacy rule with respect to priests in the Catholic religion. My feelings go against the Catholic religion, because I truly believe that "Man cannot live on bread alone!"

My bailout comments yesterday stirred up quite a response among a few of my e-mail recipients. I must admit, I didn't understand all of the responses completely.

Sports -- My Red sox lost while the Yankees won their contest.

Observation -- People might complain about the United States Postal Service, but some foreign countries could use a bit of our expertise. Some friends sent us a post card during the third week of April as they were on holiday in Mexico. The post card arrived yesterday which was a whole month after they sent the post card.
Also the Postal Service is in financial trouble because the internet, cell phones, computers, etc. These devices have replaced letter writing as a way to communicate with people. When you can contact friends and relatives in an instant, where ever they are in the United states or the world, why would you use a postage stamp, and send a letter?
Some of our friends have stopped sending Christmas cards because of the internet. We can see the grandchildren live on Skype any time that we want.

Have to go, and get dressed. Home Depot is calling me right now.
Have a great weekend. The Curley Lad

Hello on Friday Morning

Dear Friends,

It was not a good day on Thursday for Boston sports' teams. The Bruins lost in overtime. The Red Sox lost in 12 innings, and the Celtics lost their magic in Orlando.

The Big Brother's and Big Sisters Dinner and Auction went well at Eastover. There was much food, fun, and merriment as we prepared 100 Chicken Parm Dinners with all the fixings. Strawberry & blueberry shortcakes were a big hit for dessert.

While I was gone from 1 PM until about 8:30 PM, Linda had a pleasant time doing her thing. She won a few bucks on a lottery ticket so she was very happy.

It looks like our Friday Golf with the seniors is a go for today. We have to tee off at 7:30 AM so that we can finish before the mid-day Member Guest Tournament begins.

Social Calendar -- To be determined

Politics -- Bailing out insurance companies is quite interesting. The average person who lost his or her job needs a bailout too.

Observation -- When I am on the highways, whether it is in my community or beyond the Berkshires, I always observe wacky driving. Yesterday while doing an errand, the person in front of me almost got hit broadside when he pulled out in front of a car while making a turn.
On the way home from a market, the person in front of me, bounced her car off the granite curbing. She almost went into the other lane of traffic. Distraction because of a cell phone might have caused this incident. Some people drive their cars like the "Bumper Cars" at amusement parks.

Have to select my golfing wardrobe.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad

Hello on Thursday Morning

Dear Friends,

My staining of pretty much everything which I wanted to do, except the deck floor, went well yesterday. I worked from from 9 AM until 3:30 PM. I never stopped for lunch. Linda did supply me with water, beer, and a little snack food as I stained, and stained, and stained.
While I was doing my thing, Linda started working on the flower beds.
Linda got tired of working in the flower beds, and decided to help me with the staining. A color blind person needs a good deal of help. Linda said that she should have followed me around so that I wouldn't have missed so many spots.

By the end of the day, our bodies were aching from head to toe. We felt like we just came out of a multi-hour session of "Pilates". Linda was worse off than I was. We started taking Ibuprofen like it was candy. I feel pretty good this morning compared to the way that I felt last evening.

We have some late afternoon rain in the forecast today so that we will work on the flower beds instead of returning to some touch up staining.

Actually, I can't work the full day in the flower beds, because my UNICO brothers and sisters are going to help with cooking a Chicken Parm Dinner for the local "Big Brothers and Big Sisters" organization at the Eastover Resort today. We will be preparing the dinner, and dessert from scratch. The food preparation starts a little after 1 PM, but the actual serving doesn't take place until around the 6 PM hour. There is an auction at the event also.
The treasurer of UNICO is the head chef today. Even though he is a banker by profession, he is like an Emeril Lagasse in the kitchen. I learn something new every time I work with him!

I didn't mark this event on our main calendar. I think that Linda had some other plans for this afternoon, and evening. Oh Darn!

My Red Sox lost their game last evening. The Yankees won their game.
I think all three Boston teams are playing today. The Sox play at 4 PM.

Politics -- I see where President Obama got himself in trouble at a graduation speech at ASU. He was just trying to make the point that getting a college degree doesn't mean that the work done. Earning that degree is just another step along the way to a fruitful life, and a successful career. Of course, people have to twist his words, and turn it into something negative.

Observation-- While purchasing the stain at Home depot on Thursday, I ran into a former colleague who is still teaching in the Science Department at my old school. He is on a medical leave, but it more than just medical. His wife battled cancer for seven years until she passed away in January. As we conversed, I could see, and feel his emotional pain. He also said that he was lonely, and that his house was so quiet. He owns a small farm which he tends himself. His finances have been cut in half, and he is struggling to keep his head above water. He, like me, never paid the bills, did the taxes, etc. in his family. There is just so much that a partner does in a relationship.
It is so difficult when you lose your life long partner. I told him that Linda and I discussed the subject many times even though we are in relative good health. I told him that Linda has already discussed living with girl friends if I depart this earth first, and she would become of the "Golden Girls". If Linda goes first, she said that it would be okay if I find another companion. Of course, no person could ever replace Linda.
I started to act, and speak like a priest, Father Curley, and a grief counselor too.
This is just another example of "Life is Good" for some of us right now, and that life is too short to sweat the little stuff.

Well, I have to read the local newspaper, and get to those flower beds.
Have a great Thursday.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad

Hello on Wednesday Morning

Dear Friends,

Our Tuesday went as planned. My four items were accomplished (Linda three). We didn't have the energy to attend the Trivial Pursuit Game at the Brew Works, or the Irish Session at O'Laughlin's.

Mom is staying a couple more days at the hospital with several more hyper-baric sessions to aid in wound healing.

I went to bed a happy man last night as I watched two of the three Boston Sports' teams win their games. I had to wait until right now to see if the Red Sox won their west coast game against the Angels. The Sox were successful too.
The New York Yankees did lose their baseball game. Oh Darn!

How could a Liberal, and mostly Democratic New England be so successful with respect to their Sport's teams?

The weatherman said that we have no chance of rain today. I am going off to Home Depot, and purchase several gallons of stain, and do the time consuming railings, and spindles, and benches, and tables on the deck.

I also have to do the minutes of last evening's Irish Sister City Meeting.

Sometimes there not enough hours in a day.

Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad

Hello on Tuesday Morning

Dear Friends,

Linda and I made it through a busy Monday, but today even has more items on our social agenda.
Linda's golf and Mah Jongg went well.
My UNICO board meeting and the Italian American Club's "Steak & Dandelion Dinner" went well too.
Our Dandelion wine was a big hit once again.

I will be leaving the house first today since the Curley's have a 9:30 AM family meeting at Berkshire Medical Center about Mom.
After the meeting, I head back home to pick up Linda for our trip (40 minute drive) to south county for our REAM (Retired Educators Association of Massachusetts) Luncheon Meeting. Since I am President of the Berkshire County Chapter, I will be running the meeting.
The luncheon usually ends a little after 2 PM.
The day continues on, but back in Pittsfield. I leave the house first once again for a 5 PM UNICO Scholarship meeting.
Linda leaves the house for a 6 PM Irish Sister City meeting while I am at the Scholarship meeting. She will act as the recording secretary (which is my official position) until I make it to the Irish Sister City meeting.
If we have enough energy, we could attend the Irish Session at O'Laughlin's Pub after the Irish Sister City Meeting.

Politics -- Dick Cheney, and Rush Limbaugh got the political ball rolling with some of their comments over the past few days about President Obama, and his approach to solving the woes in the United States.
Since I didn't have any sports to watch, I turned on the television just in time to watch Larry King Live. Larry's guest was former governor of Minnesota Jessie Ventura. He was great, and he refuted anything that Cheney, and Limbaugh said. Since Jessie was a Navy Seal, and Cheny was a five time draft dodger, during the Vietnam War area, Jessie had some choice words about the former President's Bush Vice-President.
Jessie also talked about the Water Board torture controversy. He said that you can get anybody to say what you want them to say just so that they will stop the torture.
He said that we should lift the Cuba embargo since we are now fiends with nations which we went to war with, like Vietnam.
Jessie said that he wouldn't run for President. I like the guy because he doesn't mince words.

Well, I have to create an Agenda for today's REAM meeting.
Have a great Tuesday.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad

Hello on Monday Morning

Dear Friends,
It is a balmy 41 degrees as I start this e-mail. The weather prognosticators say that we are in for another repeat of yesterday. We might hit 63 degrees during this cool and sunny day. I turned the heat back on last night.

Yesterday was a pleasant Mother's day for Linda and I. After reading the two Sunday newspapers, we headed off to see Mom at Berkshire Medical Center. Mom was just finishing her lunch when we walked in. Dad arrived shortly after we got there.
Mom had just gotten back from getting her hair done, and she looked normal as ever as she sat in her wheel chair. I did take her for a short ride in the hospital, but it was too cool to go outside. After a couple hour visit, my sister, and her family came into to visit Mom and wish her a Happy Mother's Day.

After the visit with Mom, we headed off to the Mall looking for a possible movie to go to. We looked at the marquee, and decided the movies weren't anything that we had any desire to see. We went home, and I watched golf while Linda did a little knitting.
For supper, we went off to East Side Cafe, and have some wood fired pizza. The place was packed with parents and kids who looked like they had just came back for soccer, and baseball games.

We came directly home, and got into our sleep wear, and settled in front of our respective televisions. I was trying to juggle watching three sporting contests while savoring a book. I went to bed a happy man since all three of my Boston based teams won their respective contests. The Celtics and Red Sox were involved in a couple of "nail biters", while the Bruins shut out their opponents.

Social Calendar -- I have to go back to a little carpentry this morning before picking up a book for Linda at the Library. It is her book that she must read before her next Book Club meeting.
This evening I have a UNICO board meeting at the Italian American Club at 5:30 PM. The Italian American Club also has their annual "Steak & Dandelion Dinner". I am going to try and run a quick meeting so that I can attend this event.
Linda has golf at 3:30 PM, and then she scoots off to a session of Mah Jongg at 6:30 PM.
Monday is only the first day of a very busy week for us.

World News -- Women in the United States should consider themselves very lucky to live in a Democracy after reading the report handed down from a judge in Saudia Arabia. He said that Saudia men do have the right to slap their wives across their face if they spend too much money. I guess that women are second class citizens in this society. The Burka's that Saudi women where hide more than their faces.

Have a great week at work or play!
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad

Hello on Mother's Day

Dear Friends,

Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers out there as well as the prospective mothers (our daughter-in-law Kyla)!
I am one of the lucky ones to have mother still with us. I do appreciate the warm and nurturing family which I grew up in. Mom's are the glue that holds the family together.
I do realize that motherhood is a full time job. There are so many things that my Linda does that I don't do. Many of our family members would probably never get a birthday card. I am not the bill payer in the house. The inside of the house gets changed for every season which I wouldn't deal with. The flowers beds would still be part of the lawn if it was up to me. When I say: "Let's invite friends for dinner or a cookout!", Linda knows that she will be taking care of the details. Linda is my travel agent when we decide to go on trips by searching the internet for the best deals.
Mother's Day, in my mind, is not just one day of the year. Mothers take care of their children, and husbands (me especially) all year long.
Even though my Mom can't be with us this Mother's Day, my sister and I love her dearly.
For some of you whose Mom's have passed away, it is a good day to reflect on the good times. Maybe take out an old photo album, and go through it so that you can bring back some memories of those good times.
Photo Albums are another thing which I don't participate in.

Speaking of Mom, I visited her yesterday around 10:30 AM. She was sitting in her wheel chair when I arrived, so I decided to give her a ride outside the hospital. She appreciated the fresh air even though it looked like it was going to rain any minute. Mom is still in good spirits, and still has most of her mental faculties. She remembers who comes to visit her even though I have to remind her what day or month it is. If you were in nursing homes and hospitals for over four months, and have gone through a couple of operations, you too would have trouble remembering those details.
When I visit her, I could visualize her in her own home until she wants to go from her wheelchair to the hospital bed bed. It takes two people , and board to slide her from the chair to the bed. She also needs help to take of bodily functions which I could never too. I am pretty sure the time line is to return her to a nursing home by the middle of next week before there is any chance of getting her back in her own home, or to an assisted living place which my father is investigating into.

We were visiting friends last evening when a thunder and lightening storm, with high winds, came through their town. The power went out in an instant. The candles came out, Chinese food was delivered, and we had a candle light dinner. We stayed for a while to keep our friends company, but we finally left in the dark. Some power lines went down about a mile from our friend's home. The word was a that a tree knocked down some power lines right outside the Dalton American Legion. We had to take a detour on the way back home.

My Red Sox were embarrassed at Fenway yesterday. The Yankees had the same type of trouble in Baltimore
The three Boston teams do battle this evening. I will be using the remote for many hours.

Social Calendar -- I am going to let Linda dictate what kind of a day that she would like today. If she wants to stay in her sleepwear, and read the local newspaper , and Boston Globe for most of the day, that will be alright for me. If she wants me to make a gourmet breakfast, I will do that too. If she wants to dine out, that is fine with me. I am going to be at her "Beck and call". I won't even suggest things that she should be working on. If she wants to be a total slug, I will accommodate her.

News --- I am betting that a law of "no text messaging while driving" might have a good chance of being passed in Massachusetts since a 24 year old subway driver admitting to doing so. His texting to his girlfriend caused two subway cars to collide, injuring over a 100 people. Luckily no one was killed.

Weather -- It is windy and cool outside today. We might not get out of the 50 degree range.

Have to go, and read the newspapers.
I think that this is a quiet activity.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad

Hello on Saturday Morning

Dear Friends,

My golf day went okay, but I did not help the team. If I was playing for Coach Bill Belechik for the New England Patriots, he would have benched me.

While I was doing the Friday golf thing, Linda did some errands and stopped in to visit dear old Mom. The surgeon happen to see Mom while my dad and Uncle Joe were there with Linda. The doctor wants to put Mom in a hyperbaric chamber for two hours on Monday which will aid in the wound healing process.
We are also booked in for a family meeting on Tuesday at 9:30 AM. Mom is expected to be discharged on Wednesday. She will be heading to the Laurel Lake Nursing and Rehab Center in Lee. The saga continues!

We ate a quick supper at the Shamrock so that I could get home in time to watch the Red Sox, Boston Bruins , and the Boston Celtics do battle.
Two of the three Boston Sports team lost once again last evening. It was difficult trying to use the remote to watch three different sporting contests while savoring another book.
My beloved Red Sox was the only team which brought joy to me. A come from behind win with the help of a couple of home runs, and great job by the Red Sox bullpen were all that was needed.

Linda is going off with a girlfriend at 10 AM to do a little recreational shopping. This could consume most of the daylight hours on Saturday.

I have to get mentally psyched to attack the flower beds before some afternoon, and evening rains come in. Of course, I have to visit Mom since I did not do so on Friday. I also have to set aside time to either watch or listen to the 7:08 PM Red Sox game.

Mother's Day -- Don't know what we are doing for Mother's Day. We usually have a cookout, and invite most of the local relatives. The weather is usually cold or rainy, and we end up eating inside. We have cool weather in the forecast for Sunday, but we have no cookout or gathering planned. There are a bunch of places offering Mother's Day meals, but we have made no commitment. It might be just a quiet day for Linda and I.
It just isn't the same this year with Mom being in the hospital.

We have another busy week coming up with some days having at least three items on the agenda.
The craziness begins on Monday.

Have a great weekend and Mother's Day.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad

Hello on Friday Morning

Dear Friends,

It looks like it will be a pretty nice day for golf with my seniors buddies today. Any chance of a thunder shower doesn't appear likely until the supper hour.
I had planned to go from golf to a couple of hours of "Downtown Cleanup" with a crew of Irish Sister City Workers. The 2:15 PM until 4 PM event has been canceled due to the threat of rain. I am not sure if I can make the rain date at the end of the month.

Our Thursday went as planned. I did a partial closet rearranging of my stuff after Linda woke up, and before I decided to go back to some deck work.
I took out the power washer, which belongs to my sister, and attacked the deck. I had to practice not destroying the wood which a power washer can do. The paint person at Home Depot, whom we have dealt with before, warned me that a power washer could render the stain useless, if we go beyond removing the old stain. Yes, they have paint an stain stripping stuff at Home Depot, but I am trying to avoid using those chemicals.

Mom -- I did go off and visit Mom at Berkshire Medical Center. She caught a cold, and has a bladder infection which is not good. I did give her a wheel chair ride outside of the hospital so that she could get some fresh air. I soon realized that pushing a wheel chair is not an easy task unless you a little person. My back was killing me because I spent the thirty minutes bent over while pushing the wheel chair. The wheel chair design has to be tweaked to make it more comfortable for the person pushing the wheel chair.

Sports -- I know that it is early in the season, but the Red Sox won their game, and the Yankees lost theirs.
The Bruins and the Celtics return to their playoffs soon.
Manny Ramierz was the big talk in the Sports world on Thursday. Suspended for 50 games, and thus losing about $7 million is quite a big hit for steroid use.

Politics -- Not too much going on in the world of politics.

Observation -- Maintaining a home takes a good deal of time, energy, and money. As you get older, it turns from fun into a chore. We wish that we could just hire someone to do what needs to be done, and just write out a check, and pay them for their services.
Our flower beds are still a mess. There is more grass growing in them, which I haven't dealt with, before the perennials start their summertime growth.
We haven't begun to think about flowers in the deck planters, and flower pots, hanging baskets, barrels, etc., since the deck has to be stained first.
I did ask Linda to help me with the flower beds when we have some free time. She said that she will supervise, but that she doesn't want to participate in the actual grunt work.
Condo living is starting be look more attractive once the grand children get a bit older.

Have to do some quiet chores, and select my golf wardrobe. I think shorts might be a possibility this morning.
Have a great weekend!
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad

Hello on Thursday Morning

Dear Friends,

We have another unsettling day weather wise in the beautiful Berkshires. The rain is going to put a damper on the plans of beginning the deck staining at my friend's home. It doesn't look like starting our project at 8:30 AM is going to happen today.

Our Wednesday went as planned. After visiting Mom just around breakfast time, I came home to be carpentry man once again. I am pretty much done my most of what needed to be done. My next job is to carefully wash the deck in preparation for the staining.

Linda finished one of her two projects. I think she will be attacking her closet today. I suppose that I should do my closet too.

Two of the three Boston teams lost last evening. The Bruins lost in overtime, the Red Sox were beaten at home by the Cleveland Indians, but the Boston Celtics did even their series by beating Orlando on the hardwood floor. The Yankees lost their game in 10 innings so they weren't able to gain ground on the Sox.

Politics -- Another New England State has said "Yes" to same sex marriage. I know some of my readers can't stand the thought of same sex marriages. Yes, I know the typical arguments of marriage: "Marriage is between a man and a woman, and that marriage implies procreation." Marriage implies happiness, and certain rights, like being able to visit a loved one in a hospital, sharing health benefits, etc. I too thought that it should be called a "Civil union" and not marriage, but I have changed my position.
Same sex couples are just like any other male-female couples. The original same sex female couple in Massachusetts, who got this whole issue on the table got divorced, just like the people who sometimes do in the so called "normal marriages." Most of the gay people will tell you that they didn't grow up wanting to be gay. A person shouldn't be penalized because they are born wired differently. No, the gays are not going to take over the world. I say "Live and let live!"

Observation -- A 60 year old Pittsfield third grade teacher dropped dead at her home the other day. It was a brain aneurysm.
This tragic incident just reinforces the fact that retiring when I did was a very good decision. You never know when "your number is up." "Life is Good", so enjoy it while you can. If work brings you life, enjoy that too.

Well, I have to do some quiet chores around the house, and not waist the day because the weather interfered with my plans.

Have a great Thursday.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad

Hello on Wednesday

Dear Friends,

It is 47 degrees, and rainy as I start this e-mail. The weather prognosticators say that the rain will end , and we will reach 68 degrees at some point today. They also said not to get to excited because we are in this unsettled pattern for the next four or five days. Mother's Day will be dry, and a cool 61 degrees. A cookout on the deck doesn't seem like it is going to happen.

Speaking of rain, The Red Sox and Yankees did battle during the rain for almost half of their game at the new Yankee Stadium. The Red Sox ended up winning the game. I went to bed a happy man.

Yesterday went as planned. Linda was exhausted with her double session of Mah Jongg.

My exhaustion was caused by me trying to be carpenter man. I decided to replace some deck railings, and post caps on our deck before beginning any deck staining. The deck railings are those 2 by 6 inch pieces of pressured treated wood. I use the deck railings to set drinks on.
The rain put a halt to my project around 2:30 PM. I will finish the project when the rain ends today if all goes well.

Linda was nervous and told me to stay focused so that I wouldn't cut off some of my fingers with the electric hand saw.
My evening meeting went well. It was over in less than an hour.
I didn't have the energy to go off to the Irish Session at O'Laughlin's Pub, so I went home to watch the Red Sox.

Mom -- I didn't visit Mom on Tuesday, but I will do so in a little while.

Politics -- It looks like the economy is starting to head in a positive direction.

News -- A Florida man threw his girl friend's baby out the window of his car after a domestic dispute in Florida. The baby was in the car seat at the time. He will be charged with murder. I wonder what excuses the defense will make up so that the person can spend less time in jail. "Stupid people shouldn't breed!" This is not my quote, but I did forget the name of the female who wrote those words of wisdom.

Observation -- While watching the Yankee game on television last evening, there was a guy in the stands behind home plate with a Yankee shirt on. The relatively young guy was bald. As the rain was falling pretty steady for four innings, I was wondering if being bald in a rain storm is a good thing.
The other day, my former vice-principal, who we met a social function, said that I needed a haircut. I told him that he sounded like my mother.
I will have to have Linda give me a trim in a day or so.

Social Calendar -- Linda has two projects to do in the house. One of those projects is one that she is really is trying to avoid. This is a multi-day project of changing from winter clothes and sweaters to summer clothes. I have to be available to move buckets, and take out garbage bags full of old clothes.
Mom and carpentry projects are the only things on my social calendar.

I am pretty sure that we have no social commitments this evening which is highly unusual. I already know what I will be cooking for supper if all goes well.

Have a great Wednesday.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad

Hello on Tuesday Morning

Dear Friends,

I rushed to put in those air conditioners a few days ago, and they were only used twice. I have been going between turning the heat on, and turning it off. We aren't getting out of the 50's today here in the Berkshires with a little spotty rain showers. Tomorrow we are back to the 70's.

Our Tuesday went as planned. Linda did get in her round of golf, and she went to her Monthly BONCO game at a friend's home. She won a beautiful hanging basket. I had her playing the incorrect game according to yesterday's e-mail.
Today she is going for a body maintenance procedure before playing Mah Jongg with her normal Tuesday group of ladies. No, her evening is not free, she has another Mah Jongg game with a different set of friends at 6:30 PM. This group picked up a new player who learned the game while wintering in Florida.

I did do a few things around the house before visiting Mom during the mid afternoon. She had some form of therapy 5 times on Monday. After the brief visit with Mom, I headed off to Lee to prepare a steak dinner for Dad and I. Not too much bonding occurred because the Red Sox game was delayed for 2 hours and 20 minutes. I left at 7:30 PM to go home and watch the Celtics lose their first playoff game of the second round.
Speaking of the Red Sox, they were victorious over the Yankees, but it wasn't easy. I listened to the last few innings on the radio. The game never ended to 1:08 AM.

My social calendar starts today at 8 AM. I am helping a friend stain his deck, and he said that he would help me do mine. We are going off to Home Depot, and he will help me select the proper tools to do the job. He has done his deck so many times that he has become an expert.
I do have a meeting at 6:30 PM related to Irish Sister City stuff.
Of course, I will visit Mom at some point today also.

Swine Flu -- Massachusetts picked up 28 cases of Swine Flu. I am not sure if we have any cases in our area. Bargain flights to Mexico are still available.

Politics -- Nothing to report.

World News -- The Pirates off the Somalia Coast are still active. Nations are starting to fight back which is good.

Observation -- I use three sources of information for my weather, but why are all three different from one another?
The local newspaper prints a five day forecast, the weather Channel does also, and the local television stations discuss a five day forecast too. Which one am I supposed to believe? I think that I would have better luck playing the slot machines at a Casino than I would have figuring out the daily weather is going to be.

Have a great Tuesday.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad

Hello on Monday Morning

Dear Friends,

We had a pleasant, and no commitment day on Sunday.
My visit with Mom went from 9:30 AM until almost 3 PM. I had planned to come home from the hospital after Mom had her lunch, but all of a sudden my sister, and father showed up too. We discussed the next step for Mom after the hospital releases her, which we were told would not be right away. As a family, we did agree that mom should go back to the rehab portion of the Laurel Lake facility in Lee.
Yesterday, Mom seemed to want to sleep more. The nurses and doctors want to cut back on her pain medication because they don't want her to sleep all day long. There is no rehab on the weekend. I am guessing that they have her booked in for several times today.

While I was doing my thing, Linda read both newspapers in peace and quiet before she did some household chores. About an hour before I headed home to watch the Red Sox, she went off to do a little basic necessities shopping at WalMart some of which were clothes for me. The way that I beat up my shirts and pants makes me a candidate for inexpensive clothes.

Sports -- My Red Sox lost a third game out of four to the Tampa Rays' baseball team. In the evening, the Boston Bruins lost their hockey game. I did a good deal of reading as my sports' team were getting beat up. I am reading another top ten book written by David Baldacci called "The Family." It may be fiction, but it is pretty good so far.

Social Calendar -- Linda is booked in for golf with her girlfriends at 3:30 PM, and then she is off to Mah Jongg at 7 PM at a friend's home. She is a substitute for this group of ladies. Rain might put a damper on her golf game.
I will be heading off to Lee to bond with my father this evening. I am going to whip up a couple of sirloin steaks with all the fixings, and we will watch the Red Sox do battle with the Yankees, weather permitting.
I have some Irish Sister City stuff to take care of too during the day.

Politics -- The next 100 days for the President should be very interesting, and hopefully very fruitful.

Have to read the local newspaper, and get dressed before deciding which task to accomplish next.
Have a great week at work or play.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad

Hello on Sunday Morning

Dear Friends,

It was a pleasant day in the Berkshires on Saturday. The sun did come out for several hours, and I did get a chance to wash both cars before we headed off to the Kentucky Derby Party.
Not many people at the Derby bet on the winning horse. The wife of my golfing buddy, who is a neighbor a few doors North of us, picked the winning horse. She won $100 on a two dollar bet. I asked her why she chose this particular horse. She said that the word "Bird" was in the horse's name. She didn't look at the odds which were 50 to 1. I asked what the significance of the word "Bird"? She said that there is a bird which keeps on pecking at one of her windows at her house. Birds sometimes do this because they see a reflection of themselves in the window, and they think that it is a competitor.

Mom -- I never went to the hospital on Saturday. I never talked to my sister or father either to find out how dear old Mom was doing. I will be getting dressed after sending this e-mail, and make a visit to Berkshire Medical Center. I am not sure if the therapists work on the weekends. I am guessing that the doctors will want to discharge Mom at some point next week. To where, I have no clue.

Sports -- My Red Sox and Celtics won their respective contests on Saturday. I fell asleep watching both of them. The Kentucky Derby Party Mint Juleps might have played a role in my sleepiness. The Boston Bruins Hockey Team plays today as well as the Red Sox. The Red Sox have an early afternoon game in Tampa Bay before they head off to do battle with the Yankees in New York on Monday and Tuesday.
Speaking of the Yankees, their multi-million dollar pitcher had a little trouble in Saturday's game, and the Yankees lost. Us Red Sox fans were heartbroken.

Politics -- A female Republican congresswoman is speaking out on President Obama's first 100 days in office. She said the the President has been doing "too much Taxing, Spending, and Borrowing." If that is what it takes to get the economy turned around, then I am all for it, and I am backing our President.

Well, I have to get the old body moving, and get dressed.
Have a great Sunday.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad

Hello on Saturday Morning

Dear Friends,

Our Friday went by okay.

My day started with a morning visit with Mom, and an afternoon visit too. She had therapy four times on Friday. I was there for one of them. Just watching two therapists getting Mom from the bed into a wheelchair is a form of exercise in itself. I don't see how dad will be able to manage this task by himself if Mom did come home after her hospital stay.
I did take Mom for a walk around the hospital both inside and out. While passing the family surgical waiting room, I saw a former high school classmate of mine. He was waiting for the doctor to tell him how his wife was doing after surgery. His wife, who taught English at my former high school, had just had reconstruction done on her second knee. She fell, and opened up the surgical wound, and also broke her wrist during the fall. Good thing that we have health insurance to get us through these "Golden Years".
My senior golf didn't happen because of the rainy weather.

Linda spent her day doing errands, and attending at finance meeting at our Italian Lodge.
Her and a girlfriend did supper, and a movie while I watched my sporting contests. Separation is good!

My sister said that she would take the morning shift with Mom so that I could sleep. It sounds nice, but I woke up before the chickens did, and here I am, at the computer.

Social Calendar -- I have to purchase a "Racing Form" newspaper today, and see which Kentucky Derby horse races well in cool, and wet conditions. It really doesn't matter what the odds makers say because the favorite always seems to have trouble winning the race.
The Kentucky Derby party, which have been attending for several years, is a good deal of fun. We see quite a few people whom we know, but whom we don't see that often.

Sports -- My Red Sox lost another one last evening, but the Boston Bruins did win their first game of their semi final playoff round. The Bruins looked like a championship team.

Swine Flu -- A friend suggested that this flu was no worse than the Asian Flu which many of us were faced with during the early part of our life time. We can't go around wearing masks every time we go somewhere.

Politics -- The rumors are flying everywhere about who will replace Justice Souter on the Supreme Court. Our African American Governor's name, Deval Patrick, has been put into the mix. We need him more to fix the multitude of problems in Massachusetts before he makes it to the Supreme Court.

Weather -- We might make it to 60 degrees today, but will won't see the sun at all.

Have a great Saturday at work or play.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad

Hello on Friday Morning

Dear Friends,

The book club dinner party went well. The grilled vegetables, shrimp, and grilled boneless breasts of chicken were a big hit too. I thought that I made a pretty large batch of grilled vegetables, but there wasn't much left for the Curley lad.
The women want me to do a repeat performance. I suggested that we do a summertime event, and invite the husbands, and I will whip up a batch of margaritas. They are working on setting a date.
Linda tried a new dessert for the first time too, and I sampled some when I got home from our neighborhood watch meeting.

Speaking of the neighborhood crime watch meeting, it went well too. We had an assistant district attorney present as well as the chief of police, two beat officers, gang task force officer, and the night shift lieutenant there to answer questions and concerns. When the police, and the court officer left, I sampled some of the host's cream Limoncello. It to was wonderful.
Our neighborhood was deemed one of the safest in the city with very few incidents happening in our neighborhood according to the law enforcement officials.
I retold the story about the banana theft, and asked for their advice. They said that the manager of the store has to come forward, and be willing to prosecute. The chief of police, who was a former student of mine, said that the banana theft is a crime. He told me not to be confrontational. Oh darn!
I did get some helpful ways which I could have dealt with the situation form my e-mails readers.

Speaking of the banana theft, I went back to the grocery store and chatted with a meat department (next to produce) employee about the incident. He told me that these people will come in with their whole family, including their children. They will open a 12 pack of juice boxes, and give every one something to drink, but of course not pay for it. They will do the same thing, and open a box of cookies, and feed their whole family, and not pay for it. The worker told me that the store doesn't do anything about the thefts which even got me more upset for a second day.

Mom update -- Mom had three sessions of therapy on Thursday. My sister was with her for breakfast,and I was there for lunch. I will be there this morning. My sister had them get mom into a wheel chair, and gave my mom a ride around the hospital. Mom enjoyed being out of the hospital room. A dietitian came in, just after Mom ate lunch, and she told me that mom was not consuming enough protein. The dietitian said that they have ways to bump up the numbers, and that they will add things to her daily meals.

Sports -- My Celtics and Red Sox both went down to defeat on Thursday. The Red Sox have a chance to redeem themselves this evening.
The Celtics have to win their weekend game since they are tied 3 to 3 with the Chicago Bulls. The one good thing is that they are playing the game back in Boston. Tampa Bay on the other hand has the Red Sox's number as the saying goes. There are certain teams that you have trouble beating no matter how bad that they are during a given year.

Politics -- Am I the only one tired about hearing about "Swine flu?"

Social Calendar -- I have a Mom visit, golf with my seniors, an afternoon nap, and then I am not sure what Linda has for our evening plans. She has enough stuff around the house to keep her busy all day long.

Have a great weekend at work or play.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad