Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Hello on Wednesday Morning

Dear Friends,

Another day went as planned in the Curley home, but it was exhausting for both us. I had lunch with 5 Mah Jongg ladies. The Pumpkin soup, which Linda made in the crock pot, was a big hit. The immersion blender worked very well too. You do have to remember to shut the blender off when the blending is done. If you remove the device from the pot when it is still on, you can visualize pumpkin soup (or whatever you are blending) going all over the kitchen. Linda might have to work on this aspect a little more.

After lunch, I read my latest book for an hour or so as the Ladies started playing Mah Jongg. I left the house a little after 1:30 PM, and headed off to help out at the UNICO Polenta Dinner. As usual, there was much fun and merriment in the kitchen as we prepared, and served over 250 Polenta Dinners. We needed a good deal of help, which we had, to do such a project.
The only leftovers was Polenta. Every piece of chicken, and sausage was gone as we served the last dinner. Us workers didn't even get a piece of chicken or sausages. We underestimated the size of the crowd. The 50/50 raffle prize was $475. After all the food, wine, and beer bills are paid, we should have a pretty good profit for a few days of planning, and a long day of work.

I was so tired after the Polenta Dinner, that I was in bed by 9:30 PM. I never saw Linda to ask her how her 7 PM BONCO session turned out.

Social Calendar -- There is only one thing on our social calendar for today, and that is to celebrate my mother's birthday in the nursing home at 1 PM. Linda picked up a cake at the local grocery store that says "Happy Birthday Mary". I will still have to remind my mother how old she is every time I visit her at the nursing home.
I am not sure how close the family is to getting my mother back home to live in her own house. She will definitely need assistance from the "Home Health Care" workers as well as the Lee Visiting Nurse Association. The saga continues!

Sports -- The Red Sox continued with their losing streak, but they did a "backdoor" into the playoffs. From what I heard, they had a closed door celebration party in the locker room. I am not sure if they have the pitching and manpower to make it through the first round of the playoffs.

Politics / News -- There is the usual mayhem in every part of the world that you can imagine. Maybe the people who don't read the newspapers or who don't watch television are the smartest people in the world. Why is their so much hate and anger everywhere including on the streets of America? Will mans inhumanity to man ever cease?

Observation -- I squished a "slug" on the way to getting the local newspaper which is thrown on the lower part of my driveway. I was wondering where do the "slugs" go in the winter time when we are covered with snow and ice. The ones which we see must die, but how do their offspring make it through the winter. Slugs are not like the birds who can just pack up, and fly south. I guess if I get bored during the winter months, I can do a little research on the computer, and at the public library.

Have to go, and do a little book reading.
I don't love the book that I am reading right now. I am halfway done with the book, and now there is no turning back.
I am up so early that I will need a nap at some point today.

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

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Hello on Tuesday Morning

Dear Friends,

We had another beautiful day in the Berkshires until a little rain came in around the supper hour.
Some of the trees have definitely changed into brilliant colors even from the perspective of a colorblind person.

I had to go to Walmart to pick up a couple of items while Linda was puttering around the house on Monday. While I was in the hardware department, a lady came up to me, and asked if I worked in Walmart. I must project the image of a Walmart employee. I thought that I had a calling as an employee of Walmart soon after I retired. I am more of the "greeter" type which I thought that I could be very good at.

After my Walmart adventure, I headed off to the nursing home in Lenox to visit Mom. I sat with her through lunch.
Today is her birthday. She is 93 years old. Since Linda and I are unavailable today, my sister and her family, and Linda and I will celebrate her birthday at 1 PM on Wednesday.

The Pumpkin Soup, which Linda is serving to her Mah Jongg ladies and me today at noon, has been brewing all night. The chunks of fresh pumpkin, and sweet potatoes (as well as other vegetables and spices) need to be blended with our new immersion blender. I think that I will let Linda use the device first. I can wait to try some Pumpkin Soup!

I am booked in to help out at our 6:30 PM UNICO Polenta Dinner fund Raiser this evening at St. Mark's Parish Hall. I will be arriving at 2ish to set up the Parish Hall. Hopefully we will have a big crowd. I will most likely be gone from 2 PM until the last pots and pans, and the school cafeteria kitchen is cleaned up. I am guessing this will be around 8:30 PM.

Linda can't attend the function because she has her once a month BONCO session at a girlfriend's home at 7 PM.

Politics / News -- I caught a segment of the news last evening which was on a newest terrorist bomber tactic. The terrorists are now putting explosives in cavities of their body so that they can go through security undetected. The terrorist, which they highlighted yesterday, put the explosive up his butt. It was detonated by means of a cell phone. How are the airport security people ever going to detect this unless they X-Ray every person going through security? All of a sudden, I don't feel safe going on a commercial airline.
The President bashing continues on a daily basis, even at the local level. The local radio talk programs have people calling up saying the President is too inexperienced, including his cabinet, to run a country. For the past few days, the public has been beating him up about trying to get the Olympics to take place in Chicago.
After a while, the American Public starts believing what is reported on a daily basis even if the report isn't totally accurate.
The stock market is doing okay, and it is close to the 10,000 mark as of yesterday. Is our president doing anything correctly?

Observation -- I lost a high school classmate this past weekend. The 63 year old classmate was policeman in my hometown for most of his life. He was with is granddaughter on Saturday night. They had just left a function at the Crowne Plaza in Pittsfield. He was heading south toward Lee less than a quarter of a mile from the hotel. He had a massive heart attack, and died while driving his truck. His granddaughter grabbed the steering wheel, and stepped on the brake, and called 911. He was gone before the ambulance arrived. My classmate's wife died 6 weeks ago of cancer. His obituary should be in today's newspaper.
A family member of my classmate married into the Castronova family ( a cousin of mine). Castronova is my mother's maiden name. My cousin lost his wife 6 months ago to lung cancer. She was another classmate of mine.
This is another example of enjoying every moment that you are on this earth. You never know when your time is up!
I already know this, do you?

Have a great Tuesday!
I know that I will be having one for sure. Visualize a bunch of Italians in a kitchen all trying to be in charge as the home made Italian wine is flowing freely as we try to work together.
Too bad that we don't have a hidden camera in the kitchen. The people on "You Tube" would get a good laugh.

Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad

Monday, September 28, 2009

Hello on Monday morning

Dear Friends,
Another day went as planned. My friend and I went off to Cim's Tavern to watch the Patriot's game while our wives went off to do a little recreational shopping. They were shopped out by the time our football game was over.

The tavern was mobbed with sports' fans. They had four different football games on as well as the Red Sox vs Yankees baseball game. My friend and I arrived early so we had a prime seat at the bar with a wide screened television facing us. At least we had something to cheer about since the Patriots won. The Red Sox weren't so lucky. They were swept by the Yankees.

We have one of those busy weeks coming up including the weekend. Today might be our only free day.
As an example of being busy, I will use Tuesday to show you what I mean. Linda has a routine doctor's appointment mid morning on Tuesday. She is hosting her Tuesday Mah Jongg group from 11:30 AM until 4:30 PM., and serving home made Pumpkin soup. She has BONCO at 7 PM at a friend's house to end her evening.
I will be helping out / attending a Polenta Dinner at St. Mark's Parish Hall. My day will start in the school's kitchen around 2:30 PM. It will not end until the last pots and pans are washed, and the kitchen is cleaned which is usually around 8:30 PM.

Anyone receiving this e-mail is welcomed to attend the Polenta Dinner which starts at 6:30 PM. Yes, you can purchase tickets at the door. The cost is $20 per person for chicken, sausage, polenta, dessert and coffee. Beverages can be purchased for a nominal price.

Politics -- None

Observation -- I usually don't go to bars to watch football or baseball games. Yesterday was a first. There was an unbelievable cast of characters at Cim's Tavern. Some people looked like they had permanent seats at the bar. I actually felt guilty that I taking someone's favorite spot. The range of people was both young and old, husband and wife, girl friend and boy friend, etc. Some people even brought their children which I didn't think was appropriate.
There was a bar right across the street which was showing the Patriot game too, but they don't serve food. The people from this bar would order food from Cim's, and take it back to the to the other bar which is called The Sideline Saloon.
Cim's bar was a bit rowdy. I probably shouldn't use the word rowdy because there was no one out of control people at Cim's. I guess that I would classify it as busy and noisy. I almost felt like I was at Gillette Stadium watching the game.
I think that I like watching sporting contests in the comfort of my own home. I probably wouldn't say this if I was in my 20's.
This must be an age related thing. We seem to like calm and quiet activities as we get older.

Well, I have to do some quiet activities one of which is to finish reading a Dan Brown book. I can see another movie being made from this book.

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

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Hello on Sunday Morning

Dear Friends,

You might think that I make this stuff up, but our Saturday went as planned.
I was going to do some yard work after my walk, but when you are retired, you have a tendency to procrastinate, which I did.

Linda never made it to Lenox for the "Apple Squeeze". Her friend called and canceled, and Linda decided to do a little fall changeover. By this I mean she entered a few of the multiple plastic buckets, which we use for storage, and located some fall like sweaters.
She can't go today because the rain has started to fall, and it is no fun doing the "Apple Squeeze" events in a pouring rain.

Our house party went well last evening. The "Red Meat" was in abundance. The host grilled some luscious steaks, and lamb chops. The hostess made some of her famous scalloped potatoes. I brought some healthy grilled vegetables.
We had a cake for dessert, and sang the "Happy Birthday" song for Linda.
We verbally solved all the problems in the world. We discussed religion, and whether there is life after death. We discussed whether Mary Magdalene was at the last supper as a companion to Jesus. Before we knew it, it was close to 11 PM until we headed home.

Politics -- Quiet this weekend.

Social Calendar -- My friend is picking me up at noon, and we are heading off to a Pub which carries the 1 PM Patriot Game. How long we will stay depends on how well the Patriots play.
Linda and a girlfriend might do a little recreational shopping while us husbands are watching football. I heard them talking about some coupons which must be used by the end of the day on Sunday.

Sports -- My Red Sox got their butt kicked once again. The bright spot was that Dice K pitched a pretty good game for the Red Sox. The Yankees looked awesome beating up the Red Sox. The Yankees are looking like they could win the World Series.

Observation -- During our discussions last evening, we got to talking about politics and politicians. My friends really think / believe that politicians are corrupt. I think that most people elected to political office have good intentions. I believe that most people do go into politics thinking that they can make a difference. When the lobbyists come knocking at their door throwing campaign dollars, paying for a vacation junkets, etc. for voting a particular way on a particular issue, it must be difficult to say "No". As an example, one of our State politicians has been against having Casinos in Massachusetts, especially since there are two right over the border in Connecticut. Well, the other day, the Politician came out publicly, and said that he changed his position, and that he was now in favor of having Casinos in our State. Even if the politician didn't receive lobbyists funds, I would bet something happened like a promise of something that will be done in the district which he represents, repairs to roads and bridges, etc. Maybe the Casino will be constructed in his district? Does this make the Politician a corrupt one? I think that it is perfectly okay to make politics a career. I am not in favor of term limits.

Well, I have to do some quiet chores after reading the newspapers.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad

Saturday, September 26, 2009

Hello on Saturday Morning

Dear Friends,

I did forget to mention in Friday's e-mail that it was Linda's birthday on September 25. The day, and her birthday went as planned.
She enjoyed her breakfast with her lady friends while I was chasing the white ball around the golf course.
She went from her breakfast to do some errands.
She was home when I came home from golf. We shared a lunch of leftovers, and I decided to give the lawn a trim, and do a little weed whacking.
While I was doing my thing, Linda was answering the telephone from family and friends who were wishing her a happy birthday.
I needed a power nap after my lawn trimming. Linda went back out to do some errands while I was napping.

We went out to our favorite Friday night restaurant (The Shamrock) with two other couples for seafood. I called to make reservations, but they said they couldn't, but when we walked in at 6 PM, our table for 6 was all set. Being a good customer has its advantages.

Speaking of golf, my ball striking was a little off, but it was nice to be out there in the fall like air. I did help the team that I was assigned to by getting a birdie on one hole, and par on another. I wish that I could have helped the team on more holes, but it just didn't happen. Luckily my teammates took up the slack. My team ended up paying only one dollar instead of the normal three.

Sports -- My Red Sox got beat up by the New York Yankees. The Red Sox pitcher was physically knocked out of the game when the batter drilled a line drive off of his leg. I thought the ball hit the knee cap of the Sox pitcher, but the report was a contusion of the quadriceps. The report said that he was okay, but we will have to wait and see.

Social Calendar -- We are off to a house party this evening. Red meat is on the menu, and I can't wait. I will be making a small batch of grilled vegetables for the gathering.

Speaking of food -- Out first Polenta, Chicken ,and Sausage dinner in this Tuesday evening at 6:30 PM at St. Mark's Parish Hall. This is a fund raiser for UNICO. We are usually cooking for some other organization, and once in a while we need to fill our own coffers.

Observation -- Everyone has a birthday, but as we get older do we really want to celebrate them? The rich and famous spend thousands of dollars trying to keep their youthful appearance, but us common folk just get old (or more mature.)
There is no way to stop the aging process, and I think that we should not fight it. We should exercise, and eat the right foods, but it won't stop mother nature from making us age. The life expectancy in the United States is 78 years of age. As the medical technology improves, that number will be higher for us baby boomers, and our children and grandchildren for sure.
I think being content in your own little world is the most import thing in a person's life. I think that being unhappy helps to age you even more. Yes, I know that if you are experiencing physical problems, happiness is difficult to find. I always tell people, who do have such physical problems, that there are people out there who are worse off than they are.
Another thing that I have noticed, through my parents, is the major illness that some seniors get in their later years is life altering. My father was doing so well as he was heading to be an octogenarian, and then he had a fall at his brother's house. That fall was the beginning of the end of the good life.
Mom's problems started about a year ago when she went into the hospital on Christmas Day after she had fallen in the home. Blood clots, surgery, a leg amputation was her beginning of the end.
On a happier note, life is still good for the Curley's, and as you see from my e-mails we are enjoying every moment while we are physically able to do so. As a baby boomer who has experienced a couple of physical set backs, I wouldn't say "No" to an invitation to a party, or to taking a trip if we can afford it.
I am going to enjoy our grandchildren, and spoil them rotten, and hope that there are more on the way. Family and good circle of friends will keep you young even as the body ages.


If you live in the Berkshires, Saturday will be pleasant and dry, but you will need rain gear for Sunday. There are many things going on this weekend in the Berkshires. There is the "Apple Squeeze" in Lenox, and "Founders Day" activities in my home town in Lee.

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

Friday, September 25, 2009

Hello on Friday

Dear friends,
Another day went as planned. Linda made it through two body maintenance procedures, and I read a good portion of the latest Dan Brown Book called "The Lost Symbol".
My Subaru had some basic maintenance done for the price of a mortgage payment. The car is purring like a kitten right now.

In a little over an hour, I will be teeing off with my senior friends. It is a bit brisk in the Berkshires right now, and we are supposed to reach the low 60's on this sunny day.
Linda will be having breakfast with her retiree friends from Pittsfield High School about the same time that my friends and I are teeing off.

Our evening activities haven't been set for the rest of the day, but we usually hook up with another couple for supper somewhere.

My Red Sox won again last night. The will be playing the Yankees for three games in New York. I think that the Red Sox will be one tired group of guys because of their late flight out of Kansas City.

Politics-- It looks like us people from Massachusetts will be getting a replacement for Ted Kennedy. Of course , he is a Democratic replacement. Many people are starting to through their hats into the ring for the actual election which takes place this coming January.
The President 's rating slipped a bit because of some comments which he made about the Governor Patterson when he visited and spoke at a community college right over the state line from Pittsfield.
At the local level, a couple of incumbent city counselors were voted out of office the other day here in Pittsfield. You know that my motto is to give the guy /gal a chance, and if he / she doesn't work out, then vote them out of office.

Observation -- I saw in the USA Today that those fees for such things a charging for each piece of luggage is starting to "fatten" airline revenues. The cheapest flights, which we have been using, have been through the airlines which charge those fees. We might use smaller luggage which would be classified as carry on for our next flight.
Don't you hate it when you see those people trying to lift their carry on luggage (Yeah right!) into to the overhead compartments. I say that if you can't lift, then you should check it.
I do like the Southwest add where they state that the bags fly free. The only problem is that Southwest doesn't fly to everywhere we want to go, and at the lowest price.

Have a great weekend.
Our Saturday will be dry in the Berkshires, but Sunday will be a washout.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Hello on Thursday

Dear Friends,

Out Wednesday went as planned, but I think that Linda enjoyed herself the most. I left the house for golf before she woke up, and I never returned until almost 2 PM. She had 6 hours of totally interrupted pleasure of doing what she wanted to do without me bugging her. I grabbed a quick lunch, and then took a two hour nap which meant she had an almost 8 hour day doing her thing. She wished that she had more days like this.
Well, she won't have a day like Wednesday today. My car is at the repair shop for some basic maintenance so I am stuck here until the work is completed.
I can't use her Neon because she has two body maintenance procedures.
Golf is out of the question because there is a Pro-Am tournament at our club today. I am not quite ready for that tournament.

Speaking of golf, I did break the 100 mark yesterday which wasn't bad since I hadn't swung a club for over two weeks.

Clarification -- The Yesues are convinced that I disliked my job as a teacher because of the comment which I made in Wednesday's emails (and at other times). I loved teaching, but during the 36 years of being in the profession, things had changed. Toward the end of my career, I became more of a referee than a teacher. It was a constant battle of putting out fires instead of me being a purveyor of mathematical knowledge. The students coming into my classroom were gradually becoming less motivated compared to the students from the 70's. The wanting of "something for nothing", or demanding "something for very little effort", started to be the norm. Parents were starting to back up their child instead of the teacher. In the 70's , I had a parent give me permission to whack his child if he got out of line. By 2000, they were at the classroom door with their lawyer. This why that I say at this time in my life, retirement is a better option than being in the classroom. I have a life beyond work, and I am enjoying every moment of it. Life is good!

Sports -- Red Sox stopped the bleeding last night in Kansas. Our son Michael was at the game with a couple of his buddies, and he was lucky to see the Sox bats come alive. The Yankees maintained their lead with a victory also.
I was all psyched to watch, on television, the Patriots do battle this Sunday. Not! The local newspaper said today that they will not be broadcasting the game in the Berkshires. Since our Time Warner Cable is based in the Albany , New York area, the New York Giants will be broadcast because they are in a bigger market area. I might have to find a Pub with a "Dish" if I really want to watch the game.

Politics -- The Health Care issue is still being worked on.
I am glad our President told the UN members that the United States in not going to bailout nations in every situation which arises in their countries.

Observation -- I put away the fans the other day, but I had to put them back out one day after I did so. Well, the temperatures are going downward for a couple of days. We might have trouble reaching 60 degrees on Friday. My golf wardrobe for for Friday golf with the seniors might have to be changed from the shorts, and short sleeve shirts that I wore on Wednesday. I just want Mother nature to make up her mind. I am ready for fall, and eventually winter. I just don't like to flip flop.
I keep on asking my friends who own or rent property in Florida when they are heading south. One of my friends is packing up, and leaving on Friday. We haven't even had a good frost yet in the Berkshires, and he is already bolting for the warmer climates.

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

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Hello on Wednesday Morning

Dear Friends,

Tuesday was another which went as planned. Linda won the most games at her Mah Jongg session while I was holding a sign for the incumbent Mayor. I had no relief after two hours of holding a sign at one of the polling stations. After three hours, someone did arrive to take over my spot.

At 7:30 PM, we headed off to the Italian American Club for a party / reception for our candidate. There was much food, fun, and merriment before we left at 9:30 PM.
The incumbent Mayor is now the underdog. According to the results of the primary, he is 500 votes behind the city counselor who would like to become the next Mayor in the city of Pittsfield.

Sports -- The Red Sox lost another one as the Yankees clinched a playoff spot.

Politics -- President Obama is trying to gain world wide respect and support at the various summits, and meetings with leaders in areas where conflict is the norm.

Observation -- We met a teacher at the political reception last evening. Linda and I asked how things are going after three weeks of school. It turned out that my question about how things are going in school was like asking my friends if all of their body parts are in good working order. Our friend and former colleague said that things were going okay, but!!! She described her final class of the day as one of what I would classify as the "Class from hell." Her science class is made up of four kinds of students:

1. We have the student who are there to learn.
2. We have several students on what the call IEP plans. IEP means Individual Educational Plans because they have some kind of learning disability.
3. Since they closed the alternative school, they now have integrated these students into the regular classrooms too. These students are called EOS. EOS stands for Educational Opportunity for Success. These are the same bunch of students who couldn't function in a normal classroom so that the school system created their own school manned by certified special education teachers. One of the teachers at the alternate school had his truck torched just to give you an idea of the type of student who is classified as EOS.
4. The final group of students in the class are what this teacher described as PIA. PIA stands for "Pain in the Ass." They just do annoying things in class to try and set the teacher off.

My final question to the teacher was to ask if any learning took place with such a mix of students in her classroom especially since our friend is not certified as a special education teacher? Her response was "Not much!"

In June of 2004, I saw "the handwriting on the wall", and walked out those school doors into retirement. The description of the one class mentioned above is just a reminder that I have no desire to return to the educational field again in my lifetime. I will help family and friends using my mathematical skills, but I will not return to the classroom.

Well, I have to do some quiet chores, and select my wardrobe for golf. The most stressful thing that I will do today is try to stroke that little white ball using fewer strokes than the last time that I played golf. A "not so good" round of golf is still better than being in the classroom at the current time in my life.
I think that Linda has a totally free day. Four or five hours without me being around will make her day even better. I think Linda might even use the word "Love" with respect to me not bugging her.

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

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Hello on Tuesday Morning

Dear Friends,

Do you think that the President could find my military son a job somewhere in his Cabinet? Maybe his next assignment in a couple of years should be in Washington D.C. or at the Pentagon.

Politics -- We did receive a newsletter from our Congressman yesterday in the mail. He stressed the talking points of the Health Care Issue as well as what it is not about. Your choice of going to your own doctor will not be taken away. Health Care for illegal immigrants will not be granted. On the other hand, we all are aware that anyone who is sick can go to the hospital, and I am pretty sure that the hospital and doctors have to take care of you. If you are happy with your own insurance, it will not be taken away.
If you have a major illness, you won't be denied health care coverage.
The cost, as my son points out is another thing. When we want bigger and better weapons, there seems to be an endless supply of funds to do so. What is another trillion or two when we talk about the national debt?

One of my friends commented on me using the word "Love " with respect to the President. I was thinking about one of the recent movies where one guy told his friend: "I love you man!"
I guess I was thinking how at ease our leader is at the micro-phone. Yes, I know my Republican friends think that he is another "Slick Willie". Bill Clinton had a lot of good things happening in our country (and abroad) before his affair caused a bit of distraction.

Every President is surrounded by people whose job it is to make sure that our country is safe, and to protect us from the crazy groups of people in the world. You can't blame one President over another for "letting his guard down". I can blame a President for starting a war / conflict with false information.

Social Calendar -- I will be holding a Political sign for the incumbent Pittsfield Mayor today at one of the multiple polling places in Pittsfield. It is right in the middle of my nap time. If our candidate is victorious, we will most like go to a victory party this evening. We have three lawn signs on my property, this could mean three parties.
Linda will be playing Mah Jongg until 4:30 PM.

Sports -- It was so sad to see the Red Sox lose to a team which is one of the worst in Major League baseball. How can you squander an 8 to 2 lead, and eventually loses by a 12 to 9 score? I hope that the season ends soon so that we can get to the playoffs.

Parents update-- I visited Mom in her newest nursing home. She said that the therapist have been working hard to get her one leg strong. From my conversation with Mom, it didn't sound like that was going too well.
I then went to Lee to visit dad and to be present when a new hospital bed was delivered and set up in the family home in their small living room.
My father thinks that he will be getting Mom out of the nursing home, and taking her home soon. My sister and I are wondering who will be taking care of her if she does come home. The saga continues!

Observation -- I have to stop asking people how they are doing physically, or if all the body parts are working fine. Our UNICO President has been suffering from Lupus for several years. He hasn't quite hit the 60 year old age mark. I sat next to him last evening at our membership meeting, and I asked the question hoping that the news would be better. Well, it wasn't! His standard line now is that he has his good days and bad days. Visualize a strapping guy about 6 foot four inches tall walking with a cane, and struggling with every step. Even sitting in a chair for too long really bothers this guy. Count you lucky stars if all of your body parts are working fine.

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

Monday, September 21, 2009

Hello on Monday Morning

Dear Friends,
Our Sunday went as planned. We had much fun and merriment at the 1 PM picnic at
a friend's home. I was able to catch some bits and pieces of the Red Sox and
Patriot Game. The Patriot Game didn't go as I thought it would, but the Red Sox
just keep on winning. There is some talk about the Red Sox possibly catching the
Yankees since their division leading has shrunk to only 4 games.
The picnic was wonderful. The food selection was superb right through dessert.
My friend always set up a whole bunch of games for us to play. I did notice that
the amount of game playing decreased quite a bit this year. Does this mean that
we are getting older? Is bending over picking up a BOCCE ball becoming a chore?
We left a little after 6 PM, I think. We had to stop at the grocery store
because Linda couldn't take another day of "Coffee Mate" in her morning coffee.
We had no milk products in the house when we came home from Boston on Saturday.

Social Calendar -- Today is one of those days where Linda has already given me
instructions not to bug her. She hasn't even emptied her suitcase from our trip.
She also has a whole bunch of things to do around the house, and she doesn't
want me in her way.
I too have some things to do both inside and outside the house. I have to weave
in a visit with Mom at the nursing home in Lenox, be present in Lee when a new
hospital bed is being dropped off, and set up at the family home, and I also
have a UNICO membership meeting at a local restaurant at 6 PM.
Speaking of the hospital bed, Mom is not exactly ready to come home at the
present time. Even if she does come home, she will need the services of the Lee
Visiting Nurse Association, and the local Home Health Care organization. The
saga continues!

Politics -- We have a local primary on Tuesday. We have 9 other people trying
to knock theMayoral incumbent out of office. Linda and I are supporting the
incumbent. The current Mayor's re-election campaign wants us to hold signs on
Primary Day. Linda will be playing Mah Jongg on that day.
Our President is still pushing for his health care package. Of course, Linda
and I support his plan since we are loyal Democrats.
An article in today's local newspaper said the President Roosevelt's social
security plan back in the 40's received the same opposition, but it seems to be
working okay today. His system wasn't perfect, but many people today depend on
Social Security.

Observation -- It was another morning in the 30's here in the Berkshires. We
love the cool nights , and the not so hot sunny days. At some point this week, I
think that I will take out the air conditioners, fans, etc. I might even start
removing some of the deck furniture in preparation for winter.
Yesterday, on the way to our picnic, we went by a farm stand / deli /
greenhouse / play land / farm animals / pumpkin patch. Linda and I were
visualizing taking our grandchildren to the place. There were so many families
there, and they all appeared to be having a great time. We took Isabelle there
when her and Danielle were visiting us in June. We can't wait to take Max there
when he starts walking a year from now.
All this talk about doing things brings me to my final thought for the day. Us
baby boomers have to do things right now, and not postpone any plans for having
a good time, seeing the world, bonding with families, etc. As an example, since
we weren't in the Berkshire for over two weeks, and we had no access to
electronic devices, I asked a friend if anyone of note passed away while we were
gone. I asked this question because I checked the obituaries every day in the
local newspaper.
A 54 year guy, who owns a small restaurant right next to out hospital, died
unexpectedly. From what I heard, the man wasn't feeling that great for a couple
of weeks. He chose not to go to the doctor. He had a heart attack and died even
though his place of business is right across the street from the medical center.
The word was that he had some clogged arteries, and he waited too long before
getting medical attention.

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

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Hello on Sunday Morning

Dear Friends,

It is so nice to be back in our own home on the other hand, I didn't wake up to the 80 degree + weather of Barbados. It is 35 degrees in the Berkshires as I begin this e-mail. I turned the heat on for a little while to get the chill out of the first floor of our home.
As we arrived back in the Berkshires, we did notice some tree tops have already to change color. The "Leaf Peeper" tourists better come to the Berkshires a week or two before the traditional Columbus Day weekend because the fall looks like it will arrive early.

Saturday went well for Linda and I. The hostess of the Brodeur Bed and Breakfast left for he 9 AM to 2 PM Saturday only "Introduction to Biology" class which she is teaching a local community college. The host served us breakfast, and we had a chance to read The Boston Globe from cover to cover before calling our son at their apartment, and Kyla at the hospital.
Max was feeling good, and the white blood cell count was pretty much back to normal so the pediatrician said that it was okay to take him home. Max had a viral infection, and not a bacterial one.
Kevin lost his fever, but both he and Kyla had the aches and pains from when you are getting the flu. Maybe their illness was sympathy pains from seeing their child at Mass General Hospital.
When the paperwork was done, we helped gather up all their stuff, and we went off to the hospital parking garage to help them load up their family car. We said our "Goodbye's", and headed west on the Mass Pike for the 2.5 hour ride home.

Social Calendar -- We have an monthly ITAM meeting today at 1 PM which we thought we were going to miss because of the babysitting in Hartford. You know from yesterday's e-mail that the baby sitting didn't happen. We also got invited to an picnic which starts at the same time as the ITAM meeting. I also have the Red Sox and the New England Patriots sporting contests which I want to see which start at the 1 PM hour.
Well, we are choosing the picnic over the ITAM meeting.
I do remember that there was a approach /approach conflict the last time we attended this picnic. When there was a little lull, I "snuck" into the hosts' home and watched some football. This was a little tricky because our hostess has her 95 year old dad, who is great physical shape, living with them. He usually watches television while the rest of us are partying. I would go in the house to check and see if he was taking a nap on the couch. If I did notice that he was sleeping, I would change channels to the sporting contest which I wanted to watch. Yes, I know this is rude behavior, but I just can't control myself.
If you are thinking that I should just listen to my sporting contests on a portable radio headset, it just can't happen. The hill town which my friends live in don't pick up the radio stations that well if at all.

Sports -- I did watch most of the Red Sox game last evening, but it was the last few innings. They did give the Baltimore Orioles a good spanking.

Observation -- After the Barbados trip, we stayed in Boston longer than we had planned because of Max's illness. One of the days, I took the dogs for a walk to the waterfront park which is one block from their apartment. While I was there, I met another guy who was taking his dog for a walk too. This nice man often socializes with Kevin when he walks the dogs. As we were chatting, and talking about health issues, which many of us baby boomers often do, he mentioned that he had change his life style of not eating so much red meat, and he has to cut back on his alcohol consumption. I told him that Kevin now makes his own "Veggie Burgers". Kevin created the Veggie Burger through a little scientific experimentation. Kevin was a level two research biologist before he changed professions. What ever I said too this guy must have made an impression because he called Kevin's restaurant as soon as it opened at 11 AM, and ordered a "Veggie Burger". Maybe I should have been in sales.
I did ask Kevin how the sales of the Veggie burgers are going at his restaurant. He said that there are many office workers in the area, and the Veggie Burger was a good idea of an item to add to his menu. He sold out of the first batch which he made in a couple of weeks. "Word of mouth", and the good food that you put in your mouth from "Dough" are the best selling points.

Well, the local newspaper, and the Boston Globe have arrived. I have to read those before I whip up a batch of brownies for today's picnic. We will be wearing sweaters and sweatshirts for sure. We might not even reach 70 degrees today. Linda and I must admit that we do love this fall like weather.
Have a great Sunday.
Talk to you soon! The Curley Lad

P.S. Go Red Sox, and Go New England Patriots!

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Hello on Saturday

Dear Friends,

Everything went well on Friday in the Boston area. Baby Max was looking and
feeling great when we visited him and Kyla at Mass General Hospital on Friday
afternoon. I think that Max will be discharged at some point today.
The new problem is that Kevin caught the FLU. He has never had it before in his
life, and the aches and pains were entirely new. He was running a fever, and
couldn't even work in his restaurant on Friday.
The wedding which he and Kyla were supposed to attend today in Hartford is not
going to happen.

We are waiting to hear from Kyla to see if we are needed to transport Max and
Kyla from the hospital back to East Boston. Kevin might not be well enough to do
so, and there is also the fear that Kevin might pass on his germs to Max and
Kyla.

Linda and I are feeling fine. Hopefully those years of the students coughing
and sneezing in our airspace has built up an immunity in our bodies to resist
all kinds of ailments.

Sports -- My Red Sox did win the game last night. I fell asleep, and missed the
last few inninghs of the game. My afternoon nap routine hasn't taken place for
several days now, and that is why I don't seem to be able to watch a whole game.
Our host in Tewksbury thinks that I never watch any games, but just take the
results out of the local newspapers.

Speaking of sports, a former Celtic player who nows plays in Cleveland, got
arrested the other day while trying to elude the police (on his motorcycle).
When the police caught up with him, they found that he was carrying two hand
guns, and shotgun in a guitar case strapped to his back. I am wondering if the
guy will be able to beat these charges. Most of these guys who grow up on the
streets don't seem to lose their "thug like" behavior.

Politics -- Health Care and car bombings throughout the world seems to dominate
the news. Will we ever live in a peaceful world?

Observation -- Linda and I do miss Barbados. Every time that noon time arrives,
I think that I am hearing bells ringing to announce the start of our first happy
hour of the day. I have been sticking to my alcohol free life style for a couple
of days. If we do make it back to the Berkshires for the Sunday afternoon party
at a friend's house, I might have a setback.

Well, our host is making breakfast for Linda and I.
Have to eat, and get ready for the day's activities.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad

Friday, September 18, 2009

Hello on Thursday from East Boston

Subject: Hello on Thursday Morning from East Boston
Priority: Normal Date: Thursday, September 17, 2009 7:37 AM Size: 7 KB

Dear Friends,

We arrived at Logan a little after midnight last evening. Our son picked us up,
and we stayed over night at their apartment in East Boston.

As usual, we had another spectacular time in Barbados. The 7 night / 8 day
package which Linda booked months ago was a winner. If I had my computer, I
could have given you updates on the many things which we did daily. We also met
some fun people from all over the world. Some of them left a few days earlier
than we did, and they already sent us e-mails. We had 348 messages in our "in
box" when Linda did a partial check of them at 1 AM last evening. The Curleys
are in demand from people all over the world.

Our plan was to leave East Boston during the mid morning today, but things have
changed. When Linda talked to Kevin and Kyla while waiting for airplane to
depart from Miami, we found out that Max and Kyla were spending the evening at
Mass General Hospital in Boston. Max had a fever with no other symptoms like a
cold, cough, etc. The doctors were putting baby Max through a series of tests
checking to see if he had some sort of virus, etc.
I am not sure of when we are leaving East Boston. I am hoping that our
neighbors deal with our newspapers, and mail until we arrive back in Pittsfield.

When we checked our telephone messages, we also found out that Mom is at
another nursing home. It is called Providence Care, and is located in Lenox
which is a shorter drive than heading to the Laurel Lake nursing home in Lee.
This means my father will have a longer drive when he does his usual twice a day
visits.

The business as usual starts as soon as we get home. If we do get home by
Friday, I have golf with my seniors. We were supposed to have a baby sitting gig
in Hartford while Kevin and Kyla were attending a wedding this weekend. We will
have to see if Max gets better for that to happen.
We already got invited to a Sunday party back home, but we can't make a
commitment until the health issues for Max get resolved.

Sports -- I did happen to watch Tom Terrific bail out the Patriots on Monday
night. I watched the game during the 9 PM to 10 PM happy hour at our hotel.
I also had to watch ESPN to catch high lights of the Red Sox games. Our hotel
had no newspaper except for a local Bajan one called the "Advocate". Soccer and
Cricket are the two big sports on the Island of Barbados.

Speaking of Happy Hours, our hotel started the "two for one" drinks at noon
time. This happy hour lasted for one hour. Another one called "Crazy cocktails"
went from 1 PM until 2 PM. The regular happy hour of "two for one drinks"
occurred twice more every day. One was from from 6 PM until 7 PM, and the last
was at 9 PM from 10 PM. The "Crazy cocktails" also continued from 5 PM until 7
PM. I will be drinking water for the next month or so.

We were cell phone and computer free for the whole trip. I did watch CNN to get
my updates on Politics. I did see that the Republican congressman who called the
President a liar got a great response from his constituents. The money started
to flow in from big time donors. This representative will have a lot a money to
run a campaign for re-election when the times comes.

Maybe it was good that I never read a newspaper for 8 straight days except for
their local one. I loved when the local newspaper reported on tragedies, and
deaths. As an example, one guy climbed up a tree, fell and broke his neck when
he hit the ground. The details in the article were funny even though the poor
guy died.
Another death that was reported was that of a fisherman who drowned. He lived
and worked on his boat during the week, and he went home on weekends. The
article even quoted family members who stated that the fisherman was known to
be a "heavy drinker", and that he most likely fell overboard in a drunken
stupor.

Well, I have to answer a bunch of e-mails. One of them was from a couple from
Sweden whom we met in Barbados in 2007. She sent pictures of their recent
wedding. This was the same couple that I kept on telling not to have sex in the
water.
The female was Swedish, but the guy was from Croatia. She was the only one who
could speak English, and she had to translate what we were saying. We dined out
with them, and went on a Island tour with them. The Curley friendships seem to
last for ever, and these friendships are global.

Have to go, and sort through the hundreds of e-mails.
Life is good! No, I think that it is great!
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad

P.S. It is good to be back on our computer. I would rather be sending this
e-mail from Barbados.

Hello on Friday Morning from Tewsbury

Dear Friends,

On Thursday, Linda and I were in tears as we saw our grandchild Max hooked up
to an I.V., and other devices to monitor heart rate and oxygen flow when we
visited him at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.
When Linda talked with Kevin last evening all the tests performed on Max were
coming back negative which appeared to be a good sign. We were thinking that he
would be discharged today. Not!
When we talked to Kyla this morning, she was told that they want to keep Max in
the hospital for another day. The doctors were trying to figure out what was
causing a low white cell blood count. Max still has a fever, but it is lower
than the high of the other day of 102 degrees.

We stayed at the Brodeur's "Bed and Breakfast" last night, and it looks like we
will be doing so again tonight.
We will be heading to Mass general in a little while since Kevin will be
visiting Kyla and the Max before he has to open up his restaurant.

The baby sitting gig that we had scheduled this Saturday in Hartford Conn.
might be in jeopardy. Kevin and Kyla might have to forgo the wedding that they
were invited to on Saturday. This was going to be a Greek wedding just like the
one that they made the movie after.

We haven't been home since September 7, 2009, and we aren't sure when we will
get back to Pittsfield. Linda doesn't want to leave until he gets they find out
what is causing Max's fever whether it is low grade or not.

Sports -- I did watch the Red Sox go down to defeat last evening. Maybe it was
better if I just caught the results on ESPN the next day like I did in Barbados.
Barbados is on EST time.

Speaking of Barbados -- Ginny wanted to know of all of the details of the trip.
I had to think of what we did on a daily basis. It started me thinking about
some funny situations which occurred during our visit. Here is one of those. If
you go to the same hotel enough you often get to know who runs the place. We
often sat with the Matriarch of the family, and chatted with her. For some
reason, Linda and I have the ability to find out personal information even
though we weren't explicitly trying to do so.
One of the things which we did find out from the Matriarch was that her three
sons don't want their mother to be served alcoholic beverages at the main bar,
or at the beach bar. Well, this one day the Matriarch was buying us beverages,
and we were buying her beverages at one of the many happy hours. We weren't
aware of the "Don't serve alcohol to Mom rule". After several rounds of drinks,
I realized that she was pretty over her limit. As we watched her get off the bar
stool, I noticed that she might need help getting to her room. Luckily her room
was on the same level of the bar, and about 50 paces from the bar. Visualize a
thin woman in very good shape who takes no pills, who has a little arthritis in
her hands, and nearing 80 years old using one of those four pronged canes. She
needed major assistance to get to her room. I put my arm around her arm and
walked her to her room. Just as I was all set to open the door to her room, she
couldn't walk any further. Luckily there was a chair on her little patio, and
she sort of fell/ flopped into it. After a couple minutes, I lifted her up, and
got her into her room. I left her upright as I said goodnight. I was thinking
about her falling on the tile floor before she made it to her bed which was a
few steps from the door.
Well, the "Do not serve Mom alcohol rule" wasn't in affect for all the 8 days
that we were there. I helped the Matriarch back to he room again another day,
but she wasn't as inebriated as the first time.

It was nice to hold a newspaper like The Boston Globe in my hands this morning.
I guess that I didn't realize the morning routine of having a coffee, and
reading the newspaper has become a way of life.

Well, I guess that our hosts have agreed to take us to Building 19 which is
like a place (Railroad Salvage) that buys out stuff from stores that have gone
out of business, refurbished appliances, sporting goods stuff, clothes, seasonal
items, furniture, some junk in general, etc. A flier was in today's Globe, and
as soon as I saw it, I knew that Linda would be going into her shopping mode.

Have to go. We are ready to get into one of the Brodeur vehicles.
Hope to see our Berkshire Friends soon.

Talk to you soon! The Curley Lad

Monday, September 7, 2009

Hello on Labor Day

Dear Friends,

You might think that I make this stuff up, but we had another day that went as
planned.
I did clean my car both inside and out. I got my glasses fixed at Walmart. I
had a nose pad problem, and the Optometrist replaced my broken nose pads for
free. I tried at first to fix them myself, but a normal eye repair kit wasn't
good enough to do the job.
Linda read her newspapers in an uninterrupted manner which she truly enjoyed.

I did weave in an afternoon nap before we went to the picnic. There were just
three guest couples which the host purposely planned so that we could sit and
talk. Two males of the group told stories of their military service during the
Vietnam period of time. We learned some interesting tidbits which we have never
heard before even though we all have been friends for a very long time.

There was once again many hours of food, fun, and merriment. My theme of
surrounding ourselves with a great circle of friends was in action last evening.

Social Calendar -- In a few short hours, we are heading off to East Boston to
return Billy, the dog. He is such a good dog, but we already knew this because
he lived with us for two years when Kevin went off to college. Kevin took the
dog to college when he moved into an apartment with some friends.
I think Billy misses the long hair Dachshund "Frankie Beans" as well as the two
cats which Kevin and Kyla own.

Sports -- My Red Sox won their game, and the Yankees lost. The team chasing the
Red Sox for a wild card slot lost their game too. I went to bed a happy man last
evening.

Politics -- None for the Labor Day Weekend

Observation -- We might have an early fall if the temperatures continue with
the cool nights, and high temperatures in the low 70's. Some of the couple of
trees in our yard are starting to lose their leaves. The trees in Berkshire
County are starting to turn color already. The Farmers Almanac said that we are
in for a cold winter, but the Weather Channel people are predicting a milder
than normal winter in the Northeast.
Linda and I want snow on the ground when Christmas arrives because hopefully we
will have our two sons and their families here for the Holidays. I can't wait to
take Isabelle, and Max sledding, ice-fishing, skiing, and doing winter sports in
general.

Well, I have to read the local newspaper, and do some quiet chores before the
Queen wakes up.
Have a great Labor Day, and don't work too hard.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad

Sunday, September 6, 2009

Hello on Sunday Morning

Dear Friends,

Another day went as planned, and I love it when it does.
I was able to squeeze in a nap, give the lawn a trim, watch the Red Sox lose,
and was entertained by watching some college football.

The evening also went as planned. We met our friends at a restaurant less than
a mile from the Theater Barn. The food was great. There were five us since our
friend's college bound daughter was home for the weekend. After dinner, the
daughter went home / or to party on, and we headed off to the Theater Barn.
Since we arrived an hour before showtime, we popped open the trunks of our cars,
opened a couple of coolers, and we had a few libations.
The play started on time at exactly 8:30 PM, and went to a little after 11 PM.
During intermission, we went back to our cars for more libations. The play was a
musical called "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels". It was very entertaining. Yes, I was
quizzed by Linda as to whether I enjoyed the play or not. Of course, I said:
"Yes".
Now our two wives are talking about going to see the next play which starts
during the middle of September. I suggested that they might find two female
friends instead of dragging us husbands along. I think that I had enough culture
for the summer months. I must admit, we (my male friend and I) do like the
dinning out part.

Social calendar -- Neither have to move until the 5 PM picnic which we were
invited. I do want to clean and wash my car before we head off to the picnic.

Observation -- Some sharks have been sighted in the waters of Cape Cod. The
marine biologists believe that the sharks are after the seals who summer in the
waters off of the Cape. Observers spotted four or five of the great white
sharks. If I was a surf board rider, I might change to a land based activity.
Linda and I never made it to the Cape this summer. We might do a fall trip if
we can clear a few days off of our exhausting social calendar.
I still think that we a very fortunate to do what we are doing as we keep busy.
I am starting to be afraid to ask people, who are our age or a few years older,
how they are doing. So many people seem to have body parts that aren't working
like they used to. Some even have life threatening illnesses.
Right now --> Life is good, and I (& Linda) am going to enjoy the ride.

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

Saturday, September 5, 2009

Hello on Saturday Morning

Dear Friends,

It was another great day in the Berkshires for the Curley's. I did my golf
thing while Linda tended to Kyla and Max before they packed up and left for
Saratoga to visit a couple of college friends from Skidmore. You might be
thinking that I should have given up golf, and said "Goodbye" too, but Linda and
I are heading to East Boston on Monday to return the grand dog Billy who is
staying with us. Kyla took "Frankie Beans" only with her because her friends
have creatures of their own, and she didn't want any conflicts.

I did squeeze in an hour nap before we headed off to my golf course for supper
with another couple. We were all kind of tired so we went straight home.

Sports -- I tried to watch the Red Sox, but they were being destroyed by the
Chicago White Sox. It was too difficult for me to watch. The Yankees were being
one hit by Doc Holliday, and lost their game too.

Social Calendar -- I am getting another dose of culture this evening. I am
already planning an afternoon nap. We are meeting another couple at 6:45 PM this
evening for dinner and a play. The play starts at 8:30 PM. I am usually in my
pajamas by that time watching some sporting contest or reading a book.

Observation -- Isn't it hard to imagine that when we first started teaching us
being in our pajamas at 8:30 PM wasn't even heard of. We would party at any
time, and not just during the weekends. Even if we had a late evening, we would
still make it to our first period class, and try and recover as the day
progressed.
One of our friends, who is still teaching, is so exhausted by the time Friday
rolls around, that he doesn't want his wife to book in any social engagements on
a Friday night.
In our early working years, the weekend partying always began on Friday after
school. We would all meet at some bar, and party to the wee hours of the
morning.
It seems like those days are all but a forgotten memory. It even gets worse as
I observe things through the eyes of my parents. We invited my dad to join us to
the cookout / baby viewing events this past week. My sister even offered to
drive my father to and from the party. My father refused the offer! My father
has developed a routine where he is often in bed by 7 PM. You would think that
he could alter his routine and join us. Our parties broke up no later than a
little after 9 PM. What is a couple of hours in the scheme of things?
Linda and I asked ourselves if we will become like that? We both agreed that if
someone asks us to attend a party, we will make every effort to be there. If
neither of us are able to drive, we will take a taxi.

Politics -- President Obama wanted to address the students this coming week as
the last bunch of students go back to school. He wanted to give them an
apolitical speech about how important school is, and to work hard, and stay in
school, etc. I can't believe some States and communities are refusing to
broadcast his speech. Other Presidents have done so in the past. What is wrong
will these people?

Well, I have to get dressed and head to the track for an hour walk. I have to
recover somewhat from all the partying which I engaged in this past week.
Have a great Labor Day weekend.
Linda and I still have another party / cookout to make it through on Sunday
night. There is no way that we would refuse such an invitation.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad

Friday, September 4, 2009

Hello on Friday Morning

Dear Friends,
The Curley's had another pleasant, but exhausting day on Thursday.
We started with a visit to the nursing home to show my mother and my father
their fourth great grandchild. Some wonderful pictures have been taken which I
know that Linda will make prints of.

After the mid morning visit, Kyla took Linda and I out to lunch at an eatery in
Lee. Max slept through the whole lunch. You wouldn't have known that there was a
baby in the restaurant.

Our guests arrived around 5:30 PM for the second consecutive cookout / baby
viewing. This was interesting mix of family and fiends because we had a four
week old, a ninth month old, and a one year old child along with the adults. We
altered the menu, and changed the meat to steak except for one adult who
preferred hamburgers (he had three), and one child who preferred a hot dog.
After several hours of fun and merriment our guest left. Linda and I cleaned up
the kitchen, and pretty much couldn't wait to sit down and relax.

I watched the Red Sox win their game while the Yankees won their game.

Social Calendar -- I am going to miss saying "Goodbye" to Kyla and Max because I
will be at the golf course before they wake up. Kyla, Max, and one dog "Frankie
Beans" will be heading to Saratoga to visit friends. We will have Billy, the
other dog, with us for the weekend. We will return him to East Boston on Monday.
After golf, I will be taking a nap.
I have a feeling that Linda might want to get waited on instead of her waiting
on people this
evening.

Observation -- Michael Jackson has finally been interred. Don't you think that
it is about time?
Even the Kennedy funeral and services didn't last this long.
Well, I have been thinking about the whole Michael Jackson death, funeral, and
hype in general. When someone dies of a drug overdose, why do you have to blame
someone else? It is another example of not taking responsibility for your
actions. It wasn't like the first time that the entertainer was drugged up to
help him get through each day. He might have been better off to have been in a
drug rehab setting. Is it right to praise a drug addict?

Have to select my golf wardrobe, and do so quietly.
Have a great labor day weekend. The Curley's are booked in for a Saturday night
play, and a Sunday cookout before heading to East Boston on Monday.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Hello on Thursday morning

Dear Friends,

Our Wednesday went as planned. I grilled vegetables and chicken while Linda
whipped up a potato salad and brownies. We added some calico beans, and the
meal was complete. We had 12 people over for the meal and baby viewing.
Kyla and Max arrived at 2 PM as scheduled. I had finished grilling my
vegetables, and I was just starting to cook the chicken as Kyla, Max, and the
two dogs entered the back of our house.
I have to do a little clean up, and Linda and I will be preparing for another
cookout this evening. My sister and her family will be joining us for hot dogs,
and hamburgers with all the fixings. The partying doesn't seem to end at the
Curley's. I don't seem to have any time for depression. I am just exhausted by
the end of the day. Oops! I wasn't supposed to talk about depression.

Of course every grandparent thinks that their grandchild is wonderful. As our
fiends observed last night, our grandchild is beyond wonderful. Kyla and Max
work well together. The baby lets Kyla sleep in groups of 4 or 5 hours at time.
Nursing is going well. Sometimes you hear all those horror stories of the child
being up all night, or colicky babies, etc. Everything is perfect with this
mother and baby.
Could there be more babies on the horizon since this baby experience has gone
well so far for Kevin and Kyla? I would bet the answer would be "Yes".

My Red Sox lost another one.

Politics -- This list of people who want to fill Ted Kennedy's spot seems to be
growing. Us diehard Democrats want the position to stay Democratic. Curt
Schilling, a former Red Sox player, is thinking about throwing his hat in the
ring. This guy is a diehard Republican, and he won't be getting my vote.
Pfizer got fined 2.3 Billion dollars for providing perks to doctors who
promoted the Pfizer manufactured drugs. Three of the 13 drugs include Viagra,
Zoloft, and Lipitor. These are the sex, depression, and cholesterol drugs
respectively. How many of my e-mail recipients take any of these drugs?

I am the only one up right now. I don't have any idea how I can be quiet for
two adult females, one almost 4 week old baby, and two dogs. I am going to start
with emptying a full dishwasher. Next I have to attack my grease laden gas
grill, and the my new gadget that cooked 12 legs, and 12 wings. The discounted
$3 gadget from Home Goods performed as indicated. Linda took a picture of the
device in action.

Have a great Thursday, I know that Linda and I will be having one for sure
entertaining the dogs and our grandchild before our guests arrive around 5:30
PM.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Hello on Tuesday Morning

Dear Friends,

Our Monday went as planned. I had encountered the least amount of stress for
the day. Cutting the lawn, taking an afternoon nap, booking in a golf tee time,
and making myself disappear in the basement when the BONCO ladies arrived at 7
PM, and starting a new book made for a pleasant day.
Linda worked a good portion of her day setting up for the evening session of
BONCO, but it was worth it. These ladies are into diet soda, diet tea, and
decaffeinated coffee. Last night several ladies selected white wine as their
choice of a beverage. Her lemon lust dessert was once again a big hit. I tried
some after the ladies left our house. It was Yummy!

Social Calendar -- Linda will be at again today as the perfect host after she
wakes up this morning. The Mah Jongg ladies arrive at 11:30 AM, and do lunch,
and play until about 4:30 PM.
I will be teeing off at 7:36 AM with some golfing buddies. We will be waving at
the school buses this morning since today is the first day of school for the
students in the City of Pittsfield.

Sports -- Monday was a travel day for the Red Sox and I think the Yankees too.

Politics -- The voters will have a chance in Massachusetts to vote for a
replacement for Ted Kennedy. There will be an special election on January 10,
2010. Our governor made the announcement yesterday.

Observation continued -- Yesterday's observation about linking friends to help
rid a person of depression elicited a couple of responses. Yes, I am aware that
you can be depressed even if you have a circle of friends. For some people,
depression is brought on by a series of illnesses. Yes, I have friends and
family who would fit into that category. One friend pointed out that his circle
of friends have pretty much abandoned him as his illness got worse.
A widowed friend of ours noticed the same thing. Her husband's occupation
provided for an active social life when he was alive. Once the husband passed
away, her circle of friends started to shrink. This women could have said "Whoa
is me?" She chose to make a new circle of friends, and kept the bond between the
few friends who didn't abandon her.
I don't have all the answers about depression. I hope that I never get the
disease. I just don't want to be doped up with those depression drugs that some
of my friends, and family are currently taking.
Could I be depressed and not know it? My current self diagnosis would say
"No".
I don't think that there is anything going on in my life which makes me
depressed.
There might be a time later on in my life where I could be faced with
depression. Right now, I am going to enjoy the pleasant ride which is currently
taking place in my life.
"Life is good" for Linda and I, and our sons and their families, and I hope it
continues that way for many years. Having a positive attitude about everything
in life, even if my golf game is terrible, helps to make the fairy tale
continue.

Weather -- A few days ago, I was trying to figure out how to survive the heat.
Now the temperatures have changed to fall like which I really enjoy. Sleeping
without the air conditioner is great.

Well, I have to select my golfing wardrobe, and do some quiet chores before
leaving the house.
Have a great Tuesday.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad

Hello on Tuesday Morning

Dear Friends,

Our Monday went as planned. I had encountered the least amount of stress for
the day. Cutting the lawn, taking an afternoon nap, booking in a golf tee time,
and making myself disappear in the basement when the BONCO ladies arrived at 7
PM, and starting a new book made for a pleasant day.
Linda worked a good portion of her day setting up for the evening session of
BONCO, but it was worth it. These ladies are into diet soda, diet tea, and
decaffeinated coffee. Last night several ladies selected white wine as their
choice of a beverage. Her lemon lust dessert was once again a big hit. I tried
some after the ladies left our house. It was Yummy!

Social Calendar -- Linda will be at again today as the perfect host after she
wakes up this morning. The Mah Jongg ladies arrive at 11:30 AM, and do lunch,
and play until about 4:30 PM.
I will be teeing off at 7:36 AM with some golfing buddies. We will be waving at
the school buses this morning since today is the first day of school for the
students in the City of Pittsfield.

Sports -- Monday was a travel day for the Red Sox and I think the Yankees too.

Politics -- The voters will have a chance in Massachusetts to vote for a
replacement for Ted Kennedy. There will be an special election on January 10,
2010. Our governor made the announcement yesterday.

Observation continued -- Yesterday's observation about linking friends to help
rid a person of depression elicited a couple of responses. Yes, I am aware that
you can be depressed even if you have a circle of friends. For some people,
depression is brought on by a series of illnesses. Yes, I have friends and
family who would fit into that category. One friend pointed out that his circle
of friends have pretty much abandoned him as his illness got worse.
A widowed friend of ours noticed the same thing. Her husband's occupation
provided for an active social life when he was alive. Once the husband passed
away, her circle of friends started to shrink. This women could have said "Whoa
is me?" She chose to make a new circle of friends, and kept the bond between the
few friends who didn't abandon her.
I don't have all the answers about depression. I hope that I never get the
disease. I just don't want to be doped up with those depression drugs that some
of my friends, and family are currently taking.
Could I be depressed and not know it? My current self diagnosis would say
"No".
I don't think that there is anything going on in my life which makes me
depressed.
There might be a time later on in my life where I could be faced with
depression. Right now, I am going to enjoy the pleasant ride which is currently
taking place in my life.
"Life is good" for Linda and I, and our sons and their families, and I hope it
continues that way for many years. Having a positive attitude about everything
in life, even if my golf game is terrible, helps to make the fairy tale
continue.

Weather -- A few days ago, I was trying to figure out how to survive the heat.
Now the temperatures have changed to fall like which I really enjoy. Sleeping
without the air conditioner is great.

Well, I have to select my golfing wardrobe, and do some quiet chores before
leaving the house.
Have a great Tuesday.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad