Dear Friends,
If you go outside this morning in the Berkshires, you will need a light jacket. Baby it is cool outside and I love it! Cool mornings with a warm up as the day progresses is exactly why people from Boston and New York flock to the Berkshires in the summer. When you can shut off the air conditioner at night, and let Mother Nature cool your house down, then Life is Good!
After doing a couple errands on Thursday, I loaded up the car with items that could help Kevin and Kyla to put on the birthday bash to remember for their soon to be one year old son. Even though Max won’t remember his first birthday, all 60 + of us party goers will. A lot of pictures will be taken for sure.
Speaking of pictures, Linda made prints of the pictures which she took in Kansas while we were visiting Mike and his family. We do have some good looking grandchildren.
My car has so much stuff in it right now that we couldn’t fit any other person in it besides Linda and me. If we had children, we would have to strap them to the roof of the car.
Sports – My Red Sox had the night off last evening. The Yankees keep rolling along. The Red Sox are at home for a few games. The Yankees travel to Tampa this weekend. It will be a battle between the first and second place teams in the Eastern division. Somebody is going to come out wounded, and we Red Sox fans are hoping that it will be the Yankees.
It doesn’t look like we will be leaving Pittsfield before 8 AM this morning. Getting Linda up and functioning for 8 AM is a challenge in itself.
We will be in food preparation mode as soon as we arrive in North Tewskbury. Linda, Kyla, who is taking the day off, and I will be whipping up multiple side dishes for the party. We will be making the usual potato salad, baked beans, regular salad, vegetable pasta salad, appetizers which we haven’t decided on right now. Kevin will be going into work for a half day, and preparing some foods in his restaurant after he makes it through the lunch crowd.
I didn’t realize that Kevin had mentally separated lunch from supper. The hot dogs and hamburgers are coming out for lunch, but some ribs, and either some pulled pork or pulled chicken (or both), and whatever else he has decided to put out. I packed our electronic pressure cooker so that we don’t have to wait 10 hours for the pork to cook in a crock pot. Essentially we want most of the stuff prepared before hand. We don’t want Kevin and Kyla to be the caterers; they should be the hosts of the festivities, and not running around like crazy people. I will most likely be the master of the grill.
Speaking of the grill, I was thinking of cooking a couple of beer can chickens for supper this evening with all the fixings. I took the liberty of inviting the Brodeur’s for supper since we will be using their spare refrigerator to store the side dishes which we are preparing today.
I think that it is so good to have the Brodeur’s living one street over. If Kevin needs a tool of some kind, a barrel for the keg of beer, from the vast Brodeur hardware supply, or Kyla needs a temporary baby sitter for Max (which Ginny has done before), it is the Brodeur’s to the rescue. Of course, if Linda and I need a place to sleep, which we will this weekend, the Brodeur’s said that we are totally welcome.
Remember me saying that family and friend’s are what life is all about. This weekend will be a good example of that.
We communicated with the contractor on Thursday. He wanted to start replacing the floors on Monday. We would love to stay in North Tewksbury until everything is done, but our social calendar won’t allow us to do so. Linda and I both have commitments on Monday.
Also, much of the stuff that I have packed in the car will be used for the Ethnic Fair which takes place on Sunday of next week (August 8, 2010 from 12 PM until 6 PM rain or shine)
Gulf Oil Spill – It looks like the cap on the well is working. What I didn’t realize was that there are 100’s of oil wells that have been capped, and which are sticking out of the waters in the Gulf. We are talking about 15 to 20 foot structures where a runaway barge could just crash into, and send more oil spilling out into the Gulf.
News – I see where an overweight woman in France over a 17 year period had 8 babies, and smothered them without her husband even knowing that she was pregnant. I don’t know how and why a person can kill those little bundles of joy. After having children of our own, and watching our three grandchildren go from birth to their current state of growth is a wonderful thing. We have several sets of friends who weren’t able to have children, but even they know what it is like through their active participation in the lives of their nieces and nephews.
While we were on a date night on Wednesday at Matt Reilly’s I was doing so well not spilling any food on my shirt. I was having the last few bites of some sweet potato fries from Linda’s plate. I dipped a fry in some leftover tartar sauce. A couple globs of tartar sauce went tumbling down my dress shirt. After washing the shirt twice, I found a 5 dollar bill in the washing machine. It was mine! I paid for some beers at Matt Reilly’s, and stuff the change in my shirt pocket. I have a very clean 5 dollar bill. I was also thankful that I didn’t have a cell phone in the pocket of my shorts (which I have washed before).
This will be the second weekend that I won’t be playing golf with the seniors. I hope that I didn’t miss the mid season cookout at our treasurer’s home!
Well, I am going to read the local newspaper, and do some noisy activities.
I am ready to head to North Tewksbury, but I am not sure about Linda.
Have a great and fun weekend.
The Curley’s will be having one for sure.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Friday, July 30, 2010
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Dear Friends,
Linda accomplished what she wanted to do on Wednesday. I went off to visit dear old dad at the family home in Lee.
I had all intentions of visiting Mom at the nursing home on the way back to Pittsfield. Not!
Mom was taken to the hospital on Tuesday night. Her lungs were a mess, and they were treating her as if she had Pneumonia. She was all congested when I arrived at Berkshire Medical Center, and she was on oxygen. My sister and her daughter were there when I arrived, and said that Mom was much better compared to when she was admitted to the hospital on Tuesday evening. Well, I didn’t think so.
Mom’s target date for discharge back to the nursing home is tentatively set for Friday morning. Of course, Linda and I will be on the road to North Tewksbury if the discharge actually takes place. There always seems to be a crisis when we have travel plans. Oh Darn!
Speaking about taking care of parents, a family in the eastern part of the State of Massachusetts left their Grandma sitting in a recliner for over a month. The daughter, her husband, and three grown grandchildren have been arrested. It was so lucky that the woman is still alive. The description of her physical ailments, which she developed over the month of being in the recliner chair, was too awful to put in print!
Social Calendar -- Linda has a body maintenance procedure today as well as her monthly session of BONCO this evening.
I will be running errands as well as loading up our car with items which can assist Kevin and Kyla for their weekend party at their home in North Tewksbury. This sounds simple, but I am trying to guess what kind of items that they would need to pull off a trouble free party for over 60 people. If we lived closer, I could just drive back home if there was a particular item which was needed. Since we live 2.5 hours away, this is impossibility. I might have to enlist help from the Brodeur’s since they live once street away from Kevin and Kyla.
My comments about the war in Afghanistan generated a lot of discussion. Linda asked me not to bring up such things in my e-mail. She doesn’t like it when I “stir up the pot.” She didn’t want me to put our military son in an awkward position because his boss is the President of the United States. You saw what happened when General McCrystal made those comments. He is now retired from the military.
So to summarize yesterday’s discussion: Military people do feel that we are making progress in all the war torn areas in the Middle East. The military should be given all that is needed to win the war especially if this is not the case at the current time. My only thoughts from this perspective are that do we have the support from the people who we are protecting? We train the good guys in the Middle East, and then several of them go rogue, and kill our troops. The bad guys even kill their own people like the ones who were blown up while riding on a bus by a roadside bomb. Who are our real enemies?
We then have the perspective from some of my e-mail recipients who believe that killing people is no way to resolve conflicts. I am leaning toward this perspective, but I have also learned to be a bit more realistic. We in the United States haven’t learned anything from all the wars that we have been involved with over the past 200 years. We went to war with the British in the 1700’s to establish this great nation. We fought civil wars and killed one another to end slavery in the United States. We engaged ourselves in World Wars, Cold Wars, Vietnam, have seen nations split into two regions like in Germany (and eventually ended the split) and Korea (the split continues), we fought communism and had a semi success with a country like Russia realizing that communistic government doesn’t seem to work, we have China beating us up economically because they produce what the Americans used to produce, the Gulf conflict, etc. I guess war is a fact of life. Resolving conflicts by killing each other is the norm. I just think that this is so sad!
I just got back from Retro Fitness. It was quiet except for a person who was grunting while lifting huge weights. I am not a grunter. I don’t want to strain myself in the name of physical fitness.
I did watch the Red Sox game on Wednesday afternoon. They did win with a total of four homeruns, one of which is a grand slam. The Yankees won their game too!
I see where Terrell Owens has signed with the Cincinnati Bengals professional football team. I will see Terrell in action on the opening day in Foxboro as the Bengals go up against the Patriots. I can’t wait!
Weather – The humidity is leaving the Berkshires by the end of the day. We are going to be into my kind of summer weather for the next several days. Low humidity, cool nights, and day time temperatures in the 70’s will be the norm for 4 or 5 days.
Have a great Thursday.
I have to take a shower, and get to some chores.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Linda accomplished what she wanted to do on Wednesday. I went off to visit dear old dad at the family home in Lee.
I had all intentions of visiting Mom at the nursing home on the way back to Pittsfield. Not!
Mom was taken to the hospital on Tuesday night. Her lungs were a mess, and they were treating her as if she had Pneumonia. She was all congested when I arrived at Berkshire Medical Center, and she was on oxygen. My sister and her daughter were there when I arrived, and said that Mom was much better compared to when she was admitted to the hospital on Tuesday evening. Well, I didn’t think so.
Mom’s target date for discharge back to the nursing home is tentatively set for Friday morning. Of course, Linda and I will be on the road to North Tewksbury if the discharge actually takes place. There always seems to be a crisis when we have travel plans. Oh Darn!
Speaking about taking care of parents, a family in the eastern part of the State of Massachusetts left their Grandma sitting in a recliner for over a month. The daughter, her husband, and three grown grandchildren have been arrested. It was so lucky that the woman is still alive. The description of her physical ailments, which she developed over the month of being in the recliner chair, was too awful to put in print!
Social Calendar -- Linda has a body maintenance procedure today as well as her monthly session of BONCO this evening.
I will be running errands as well as loading up our car with items which can assist Kevin and Kyla for their weekend party at their home in North Tewksbury. This sounds simple, but I am trying to guess what kind of items that they would need to pull off a trouble free party for over 60 people. If we lived closer, I could just drive back home if there was a particular item which was needed. Since we live 2.5 hours away, this is impossibility. I might have to enlist help from the Brodeur’s since they live once street away from Kevin and Kyla.
My comments about the war in Afghanistan generated a lot of discussion. Linda asked me not to bring up such things in my e-mail. She doesn’t like it when I “stir up the pot.” She didn’t want me to put our military son in an awkward position because his boss is the President of the United States. You saw what happened when General McCrystal made those comments. He is now retired from the military.
So to summarize yesterday’s discussion: Military people do feel that we are making progress in all the war torn areas in the Middle East. The military should be given all that is needed to win the war especially if this is not the case at the current time. My only thoughts from this perspective are that do we have the support from the people who we are protecting? We train the good guys in the Middle East, and then several of them go rogue, and kill our troops. The bad guys even kill their own people like the ones who were blown up while riding on a bus by a roadside bomb. Who are our real enemies?
We then have the perspective from some of my e-mail recipients who believe that killing people is no way to resolve conflicts. I am leaning toward this perspective, but I have also learned to be a bit more realistic. We in the United States haven’t learned anything from all the wars that we have been involved with over the past 200 years. We went to war with the British in the 1700’s to establish this great nation. We fought civil wars and killed one another to end slavery in the United States. We engaged ourselves in World Wars, Cold Wars, Vietnam, have seen nations split into two regions like in Germany (and eventually ended the split) and Korea (the split continues), we fought communism and had a semi success with a country like Russia realizing that communistic government doesn’t seem to work, we have China beating us up economically because they produce what the Americans used to produce, the Gulf conflict, etc. I guess war is a fact of life. Resolving conflicts by killing each other is the norm. I just think that this is so sad!
I just got back from Retro Fitness. It was quiet except for a person who was grunting while lifting huge weights. I am not a grunter. I don’t want to strain myself in the name of physical fitness.
I did watch the Red Sox game on Wednesday afternoon. They did win with a total of four homeruns, one of which is a grand slam. The Yankees won their game too!
I see where Terrell Owens has signed with the Cincinnati Bengals professional football team. I will see Terrell in action on the opening day in Foxboro as the Bengals go up against the Patriots. I can’t wait!
Weather – The humidity is leaving the Berkshires by the end of the day. We are going to be into my kind of summer weather for the next several days. Low humidity, cool nights, and day time temperatures in the 70’s will be the norm for 4 or 5 days.
Have a great Thursday.
I have to take a shower, and get to some chores.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Hello on Wednesday from Pittsfield
Dear Friends,
Tuesday was one of those days where we were able to see the two grandchildren from Kansas, and the one from North Tewksbury all in one day. It was sad to say goodbye to Isabelle, and Gabriel at the airport in Kansas, but our spirits picked up when we reached Tewksbury to see Max for a brief couple of hours.
The non stop plane flight from Kansas to Boston went very well. Kyla was just arriving from Fall River(where her latest job is located) to pick us up as we exited the baggage claim area. Kyla ordered pizza on the way to their home in North Tewksbury. We socialized with Kevin, Kyla, their two house guests, and the Brodeur’s, who live one street away joined us too.
Max still gravitates to Grandpa Curley, and he gives me a big hug when I pick him up. I love it!
We left North Tewksbury at 8:30 PM on Tuesday.
It must be time for me to get a haircut because I was patted down (by hand and not a wand) by the security guard at the Kansas City Airport after I went through the metal detector. I must have those terrorist looking features. This is why when I travel with Linda or other friends; they have to expect a delay when they travel with the Curley Lad. My sleep apnea device has to go through a security check also. Just before I went through the check point, a family of two adults, and four children went through the security check point faster than I did.
I am on schedule to go Retro Fitness with the 4:30 AM crowd even though I slept for only about fours last night.
The air outside right now is just the way I like it. The air outside is cool and crisp. If our house wasn’t like an inferno when we arrived home last evening, I would have slept with the windows open. We had to turn on the air conditioner to cool the bedrooms down. Mother Nature is like having central air conditioning in the Berkshires. There is no place like home.
We came home to a painted first floor, and also up the stairs, and in the hallway leading to the bedrooms. The upstairs hallway we are paying for. The colors Linda chose are wonderful. I like to paint, but I can see where these painters do a much better job than I could ever do. The installation of the floors comes next. Linda and I can’t wait for the confusion to go away.
Linda will be doing bills, and dealing with the insurance company today. I will be doing stuff in the flower beds, and flower pots. I think my neighbor might have given our lawn a trim while we were away in Kansas.
We are home for Wednesday and Thursday before we are on the road again. Friday morning we are heading back to North Tewksbury. Linda and I will be preparing food, and helping with the Saturday birthday party for our Grandson Max. This party starts at 11:30 AM on Saturday. The Berkshire people are invited according to Kevin and Kyla, but I am not sure if many of our friends want to drive 2.5 hours for a birthday party for a one year old, and then drive another 2.5 hours back home after the party. I will leave that decision up to them.
I believe that there are at least 60 people from the Boston area who will be attending. I know that a keg of beer will be one of the beverages. The food part of the party will be worked out by Kevin and Kyla, and Linda and me.
Our goal is to prepare most of the salad type foods the day before. I might be working the grill the day of the party so that Kevin and Kyla can socialize with their guests. This will be a kid friendly party too.
Retro fitness was kind of quiet today which is the way that I like it.
Sports – I fell asleep listening to the Red Sox game last evening as they gained the lead in the game. The Red Sox did win their game while the Yankees lost their game. I have an afternoon Red Sox game to watch today. I am so happy!
The weather guy said that we are going to heat up today. The coolness that I am enjoying right now will be changing to hazy, hot, and humid by 5 PM with temperatures nearing the 88 degree mark.
Even last evening while we were socializing in North Tewksbury, we were doing so on Kevin’s upper deck.
Afghanistan – Does any American feel that we are winning the war in that country? A bus of local Afghanistan people was blown up by a roadside bomb yesterday.
The war on terror is like us fighting communism during the Vietnam War. On the other hand, how can we just pull out of Afghanistan right now after the deaths and maiming of so many of our American military personnel?
I am going to miss another Friday with golf with the seniors. Family takes precedent over extracurricular activities.
Well, I have to take a quick shower, and go off and get one week’s worth of mail at the Post Office. Sorting the mail and writing out checks to pay bills will cut into Linda’s play time today.
Have a great Wednesday.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Tuesday was one of those days where we were able to see the two grandchildren from Kansas, and the one from North Tewksbury all in one day. It was sad to say goodbye to Isabelle, and Gabriel at the airport in Kansas, but our spirits picked up when we reached Tewksbury to see Max for a brief couple of hours.
The non stop plane flight from Kansas to Boston went very well. Kyla was just arriving from Fall River(where her latest job is located) to pick us up as we exited the baggage claim area. Kyla ordered pizza on the way to their home in North Tewksbury. We socialized with Kevin, Kyla, their two house guests, and the Brodeur’s, who live one street away joined us too.
Max still gravitates to Grandpa Curley, and he gives me a big hug when I pick him up. I love it!
We left North Tewksbury at 8:30 PM on Tuesday.
It must be time for me to get a haircut because I was patted down (by hand and not a wand) by the security guard at the Kansas City Airport after I went through the metal detector. I must have those terrorist looking features. This is why when I travel with Linda or other friends; they have to expect a delay when they travel with the Curley Lad. My sleep apnea device has to go through a security check also. Just before I went through the check point, a family of two adults, and four children went through the security check point faster than I did.
I am on schedule to go Retro Fitness with the 4:30 AM crowd even though I slept for only about fours last night.
The air outside right now is just the way I like it. The air outside is cool and crisp. If our house wasn’t like an inferno when we arrived home last evening, I would have slept with the windows open. We had to turn on the air conditioner to cool the bedrooms down. Mother Nature is like having central air conditioning in the Berkshires. There is no place like home.
We came home to a painted first floor, and also up the stairs, and in the hallway leading to the bedrooms. The upstairs hallway we are paying for. The colors Linda chose are wonderful. I like to paint, but I can see where these painters do a much better job than I could ever do. The installation of the floors comes next. Linda and I can’t wait for the confusion to go away.
Linda will be doing bills, and dealing with the insurance company today. I will be doing stuff in the flower beds, and flower pots. I think my neighbor might have given our lawn a trim while we were away in Kansas.
We are home for Wednesday and Thursday before we are on the road again. Friday morning we are heading back to North Tewksbury. Linda and I will be preparing food, and helping with the Saturday birthday party for our Grandson Max. This party starts at 11:30 AM on Saturday. The Berkshire people are invited according to Kevin and Kyla, but I am not sure if many of our friends want to drive 2.5 hours for a birthday party for a one year old, and then drive another 2.5 hours back home after the party. I will leave that decision up to them.
I believe that there are at least 60 people from the Boston area who will be attending. I know that a keg of beer will be one of the beverages. The food part of the party will be worked out by Kevin and Kyla, and Linda and me.
Our goal is to prepare most of the salad type foods the day before. I might be working the grill the day of the party so that Kevin and Kyla can socialize with their guests. This will be a kid friendly party too.
Retro fitness was kind of quiet today which is the way that I like it.
Sports – I fell asleep listening to the Red Sox game last evening as they gained the lead in the game. The Red Sox did win their game while the Yankees lost their game. I have an afternoon Red Sox game to watch today. I am so happy!
The weather guy said that we are going to heat up today. The coolness that I am enjoying right now will be changing to hazy, hot, and humid by 5 PM with temperatures nearing the 88 degree mark.
Even last evening while we were socializing in North Tewksbury, we were doing so on Kevin’s upper deck.
Afghanistan – Does any American feel that we are winning the war in that country? A bus of local Afghanistan people was blown up by a roadside bomb yesterday.
The war on terror is like us fighting communism during the Vietnam War. On the other hand, how can we just pull out of Afghanistan right now after the deaths and maiming of so many of our American military personnel?
I am going to miss another Friday with golf with the seniors. Family takes precedent over extracurricular activities.
Well, I have to take a quick shower, and go off and get one week’s worth of mail at the Post Office. Sorting the mail and writing out checks to pay bills will cut into Linda’s play time today.
Have a great Wednesday.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Hello on Tuesday Morning
Dear Friends,
Mike went off to work. We all had pancakes for breakfast. I am dressed and packed, and ready to go. Linda is getting ready right now.
We are exiting the house around 10:30 AM. We will do lunch at a restaurant by the airport before we say our goodbyes and leave Kansas.
It will be a sad departure since we are only able to visit Danielle and the family every few months. Grandchildren change so much in 3 or 4 months.
It was 95 degrees yesterday, and we have a repeat for today with a heat index of 110 predicted for the state of Kansas. I hope that the Northeast is a little bit cooler.
Kyla is picking us up at Logan Airport on the way from a job that her company is doing in Fall River. We will be landing at the perfect time for traffic to be backed up for miles.
I slept well last night for a change, but I got into some weird dreams. I even got up in the middle of the night for a bathroom stop, and returned to my dream. I think the movie “Inception”, and the discussion with some friends who loved the movie caused the dreaming. I will save the discussion of the contents of my dream fro another day.
It is so quiet right now. Gabriel is resting in is rocking / musical device. Isabelle is watching a video on a portable CD device.
Sports – My Red Sox finally won a west coast game.
It would be awful to be a Kansas Royals fan. They lost at home with their last years Cy Young Pitcher award winner on the mound. They Royals lost by a score of 19 to 1. The front page of the Kansas Star Sports section had a headline which read “Close your eyes!” At least the Red Sox give me a little something to cheer about.
Well, I have to go. Isabelle needs attention while Danielle, and Linda get dressed.
She is playing with a remote control car right now. Like father, like daughter! Mike and Kevin both owned remote control cars, and they were masters at the controls.
Have a great Tuesday.
Talk to you soon, and for the Berkshire people, see you soon. The Curley Lad
Mike went off to work. We all had pancakes for breakfast. I am dressed and packed, and ready to go. Linda is getting ready right now.
We are exiting the house around 10:30 AM. We will do lunch at a restaurant by the airport before we say our goodbyes and leave Kansas.
It will be a sad departure since we are only able to visit Danielle and the family every few months. Grandchildren change so much in 3 or 4 months.
It was 95 degrees yesterday, and we have a repeat for today with a heat index of 110 predicted for the state of Kansas. I hope that the Northeast is a little bit cooler.
Kyla is picking us up at Logan Airport on the way from a job that her company is doing in Fall River. We will be landing at the perfect time for traffic to be backed up for miles.
I slept well last night for a change, but I got into some weird dreams. I even got up in the middle of the night for a bathroom stop, and returned to my dream. I think the movie “Inception”, and the discussion with some friends who loved the movie caused the dreaming. I will save the discussion of the contents of my dream fro another day.
It is so quiet right now. Gabriel is resting in is rocking / musical device. Isabelle is watching a video on a portable CD device.
Sports – My Red Sox finally won a west coast game.
It would be awful to be a Kansas Royals fan. They lost at home with their last years Cy Young Pitcher award winner on the mound. They Royals lost by a score of 19 to 1. The front page of the Kansas Star Sports section had a headline which read “Close your eyes!” At least the Red Sox give me a little something to cheer about.
Well, I have to go. Isabelle needs attention while Danielle, and Linda get dressed.
She is playing with a remote control car right now. Like father, like daughter! Mike and Kevin both owned remote control cars, and they were masters at the controls.
Have a great Tuesday.
Talk to you soon, and for the Berkshire people, see you soon. The Curley Lad
Monday, July 26, 2010
Hello on Monday Morning
Dear Friends,
We had a chill day in Kansas on Sunday.
Linda and I took care of the little ones in the evening as Mike and Danielle went on a date night. They had a fun time and we did too.
Today is our last full day in Kansas. Mike just went of to work at the military base in Fort Leavenworth.
Linda and Gabriel are the only ones sleeping right now.
I am not sure what we are doing today. We are content to help with child rearing, and helping out when we can.
I am missing another UNICO Golf Committee meeting this evening.
We have a direct flight from Kansas to Boston on Tuesday. Our flight leaves at 2:30 PM with a 6 PM arrival time at Logan airport. If I am not too tired, we might go back to Tewksbury, and pick up my car, and head back to Pittsfield.
As I said yesterday, I am not looking forward to going back to the business, and the continuing saga of the house restoration procedure.
The Sox lost another one on Sunday. The bullpen let them down.
The big excitement around Kansas is that the local professional soccer team played Manchester United at Arrowhead Stadium. The local team, the wizards, won the soccer match by a 2 to 1 score. There were over 52,000 people in the stands. Soccer is so big around here that they are building a soccer stadium for the professional soccer team which should be ready in 2011. It is right next the Kansas City Race Car Track.
Swallows – I am starting to detest swallows even though we have two families living peacefully in our back yard on Pittsfield. I was dive bombed once again as I went out to get the local newspaper from the driveway. I would bet that Mike can’t wait to get rid of the nest once the youngsters leave.
A guy robbed a local bank wearing a Darth Vader outfit on the other day. He decided that all black was too much to bear on a hot day so he wore camouflage pants.
Have to go.
Both grandchildren are up and ready for some adult attention.
See all of our Berkshire friends soon. The Curley Lad
We had a chill day in Kansas on Sunday.
Linda and I took care of the little ones in the evening as Mike and Danielle went on a date night. They had a fun time and we did too.
Today is our last full day in Kansas. Mike just went of to work at the military base in Fort Leavenworth.
Linda and Gabriel are the only ones sleeping right now.
I am not sure what we are doing today. We are content to help with child rearing, and helping out when we can.
I am missing another UNICO Golf Committee meeting this evening.
We have a direct flight from Kansas to Boston on Tuesday. Our flight leaves at 2:30 PM with a 6 PM arrival time at Logan airport. If I am not too tired, we might go back to Tewksbury, and pick up my car, and head back to Pittsfield.
As I said yesterday, I am not looking forward to going back to the business, and the continuing saga of the house restoration procedure.
The Sox lost another one on Sunday. The bullpen let them down.
The big excitement around Kansas is that the local professional soccer team played Manchester United at Arrowhead Stadium. The local team, the wizards, won the soccer match by a 2 to 1 score. There were over 52,000 people in the stands. Soccer is so big around here that they are building a soccer stadium for the professional soccer team which should be ready in 2011. It is right next the Kansas City Race Car Track.
Swallows – I am starting to detest swallows even though we have two families living peacefully in our back yard on Pittsfield. I was dive bombed once again as I went out to get the local newspaper from the driveway. I would bet that Mike can’t wait to get rid of the nest once the youngsters leave.
A guy robbed a local bank wearing a Darth Vader outfit on the other day. He decided that all black was too much to bear on a hot day so he wore camouflage pants.
Have to go.
Both grandchildren are up and ready for some adult attention.
See all of our Berkshire friends soon. The Curley Lad
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Hello on Sunday Morning
Dear Friends,
The heat and humidity finally took a break for a few days here in Kansas. The cool down started after we woke up from our afternoon nap.
When we depart on Tuesday afternoon, it will be back in the 90’s.
I went to find a mixture for the drink that I was making myself while Mike was with his family at a birthday party. I looked in the refrigerator, and saw a bottle of red stuff. I read the label before pouring it into my beverage. It was humming bird food red sugar water. It wouldn’t have killed me, but I would have felt bad taking food from the birds.
After the grandchildren went to bed last evening, we decided to play cribbage. The team of Fran & Danielle, beat the team of Mike and Linda. After winning two games in a row, we called it a night. Since Linda and I both had naps, we weren’t as tired as Mike & Danielle.
We chatted with our Berkshire County friends, by way of the cell phone, who were having a cookout without Linda and I. They were having grilled salmon and chicken for supper as well as different appetizers, and desserts. The hosts had a houseful of guests.
When our house gets back to normal, we will host a party too.
I read the Sunday newspaper already. They had a front page article of a person who spent time in the military who claimed to have all these service medals, and he was proven to be a fraud. They almost named some building after the guy until this group investigated all of his claims. They actually found the deceased Veteran who actually did earn most of the medals legitimately. This is one of worse kind of identity thefts that a person can engage in.
I am not sure what we have planned for us in Kansas today. As of last evening, we wanted today to be a lazy hazy day of summer. With the decrease in humidity, those plans could change.
Sports – The Red Sox pitcher John Lester pitched a pretty good game last evening, but the final score was not in favor of the Red Sox.
The local newspapers are relishing in the fact that the Kansas City Royals beat the New York Yankees yesterday.
The local papers are also talking a lot about the upcoming Kansas City Chiefs Football season. Every team has high hopes until they break the hearts of the local fans.
I see where two teams are interested in Terrell Owens. Good luck to the team who gets him. I was sort of hoping that the Patriots were interested.
I also see where the wife of the former Steers’ coach, Bill Cowher, died of skin cancer. She was a couple years shy of the 60 year old mark.
I have been reading the Berkshire Eagle on line during our stay in Kansas. It is the same old same old back in the Berkshires.
The craziness in our social lives starts as soon as we get back to the Berkshires. I don’t want to think about all the things that I am involved. We might have some free days during the middle of each week, but there a very few free weekends. We are starting to book into September and October already. We have friends who don’t even know what an appointment book is, but this is not true for Linda and me.
I was perusing a restaurant guide yesterday for the Kansas City area. I have never seen so many steak and Barbecue places concentrated in one area. Living in Kansas would be a meat lovers’ paradise. The obituaries do indicate that eating red meat so often might be a problem.
Well, I have to grab a second cup of coffee, and read a couple of books to Isabelle. Her mom and me are the only adults up right now.
Have a great Sunday.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
The heat and humidity finally took a break for a few days here in Kansas. The cool down started after we woke up from our afternoon nap.
When we depart on Tuesday afternoon, it will be back in the 90’s.
I went to find a mixture for the drink that I was making myself while Mike was with his family at a birthday party. I looked in the refrigerator, and saw a bottle of red stuff. I read the label before pouring it into my beverage. It was humming bird food red sugar water. It wouldn’t have killed me, but I would have felt bad taking food from the birds.
After the grandchildren went to bed last evening, we decided to play cribbage. The team of Fran & Danielle, beat the team of Mike and Linda. After winning two games in a row, we called it a night. Since Linda and I both had naps, we weren’t as tired as Mike & Danielle.
We chatted with our Berkshire County friends, by way of the cell phone, who were having a cookout without Linda and I. They were having grilled salmon and chicken for supper as well as different appetizers, and desserts. The hosts had a houseful of guests.
When our house gets back to normal, we will host a party too.
I read the Sunday newspaper already. They had a front page article of a person who spent time in the military who claimed to have all these service medals, and he was proven to be a fraud. They almost named some building after the guy until this group investigated all of his claims. They actually found the deceased Veteran who actually did earn most of the medals legitimately. This is one of worse kind of identity thefts that a person can engage in.
I am not sure what we have planned for us in Kansas today. As of last evening, we wanted today to be a lazy hazy day of summer. With the decrease in humidity, those plans could change.
Sports – The Red Sox pitcher John Lester pitched a pretty good game last evening, but the final score was not in favor of the Red Sox.
The local newspapers are relishing in the fact that the Kansas City Royals beat the New York Yankees yesterday.
The local papers are also talking a lot about the upcoming Kansas City Chiefs Football season. Every team has high hopes until they break the hearts of the local fans.
I see where two teams are interested in Terrell Owens. Good luck to the team who gets him. I was sort of hoping that the Patriots were interested.
I also see where the wife of the former Steers’ coach, Bill Cowher, died of skin cancer. She was a couple years shy of the 60 year old mark.
I have been reading the Berkshire Eagle on line during our stay in Kansas. It is the same old same old back in the Berkshires.
The craziness in our social lives starts as soon as we get back to the Berkshires. I don’t want to think about all the things that I am involved. We might have some free days during the middle of each week, but there a very few free weekends. We are starting to book into September and October already. We have friends who don’t even know what an appointment book is, but this is not true for Linda and me.
I was perusing a restaurant guide yesterday for the Kansas City area. I have never seen so many steak and Barbecue places concentrated in one area. Living in Kansas would be a meat lovers’ paradise. The obituaries do indicate that eating red meat so often might be a problem.
Well, I have to grab a second cup of coffee, and read a couple of books to Isabelle. Her mom and me are the only adults up right now.
Have a great Sunday.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Hello on Saturday evening
Dear Friends,
Linda and I have come to the conclusion that the daily temperatures of the lower to mid nineties each day is too much for this retired couple to handle. If wanted weather like this, we would have bought a place in Florida.
The heat saps the energy right out of you.
Today’s adventure began at 8 AM as we loaded up the car and headed off to a big time farmer’s market not like the one we have in the Berkshires in the parking lot of the local Sears store. It was a great place to see all the various vendors for food, vegetables, fruits, jewelry, kids slides, etc., but the heat and the wall to wall bodies made our trip short.
Our next stop was the Rain Forest restaurant deigned for kids and their families. Both children were good once again as we had an early lunch. We were at the doors of the place a little after 11 AM, and good thing that we arrived early because there was a line as we exited the restaurant. We stopped at an ice-cream store called Sheridans before we headed home. We unloaded the car with our framer’s market purchases, and children, and I went directly to bed. Linda stayed up a while, and she eventually went for a nap too. We slept until 5 PM, and missed the next adventure which was a birthday party for a child in the neighborhood. Danielle said that they tried knocking on our door, but we were out like a light. They left without out us, but she left us a note.
I think that we will just enjoy the next couple of hours of quiet time even though the note said that we could call, and find out where the party is located.
Once again, I have come to the conclusion that our little place in the country in the western part of the State of Massachusetts is a wonderful place to call home. I hope Mike’s next assignment next June is in a place where temperature is a few degrees cooler than in Kansas.
Have a great Saturday evening.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Linda and I have come to the conclusion that the daily temperatures of the lower to mid nineties each day is too much for this retired couple to handle. If wanted weather like this, we would have bought a place in Florida.
The heat saps the energy right out of you.
Today’s adventure began at 8 AM as we loaded up the car and headed off to a big time farmer’s market not like the one we have in the Berkshires in the parking lot of the local Sears store. It was a great place to see all the various vendors for food, vegetables, fruits, jewelry, kids slides, etc., but the heat and the wall to wall bodies made our trip short.
Our next stop was the Rain Forest restaurant deigned for kids and their families. Both children were good once again as we had an early lunch. We were at the doors of the place a little after 11 AM, and good thing that we arrived early because there was a line as we exited the restaurant. We stopped at an ice-cream store called Sheridans before we headed home. We unloaded the car with our framer’s market purchases, and children, and I went directly to bed. Linda stayed up a while, and she eventually went for a nap too. We slept until 5 PM, and missed the next adventure which was a birthday party for a child in the neighborhood. Danielle said that they tried knocking on our door, but we were out like a light. They left without out us, but she left us a note.
I think that we will just enjoy the next couple of hours of quiet time even though the note said that we could call, and find out where the party is located.
Once again, I have come to the conclusion that our little place in the country in the western part of the State of Massachusetts is a wonderful place to call home. I hope Mike’s next assignment next June is in a place where temperature is a few degrees cooler than in Kansas.
Have a great Saturday evening.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Hello on Saturday Morning
Dear Friends,
The Curley’s had another pleasant day in Kansas with our son and his family.
We stayed housebound until we went off to a restaurant called the “Smoke House Barbecue.” We didn’t see many thin people at this restaurant. No vegetarians were present either. The grandchildren were pretty good. Isabelle required a few walks, but Gabriel didn’t make a sound through the whole evening meal.
When we arrived home, I decided I needed to watch a little sports. My only choice was to watch the Yankees beat up the hapless Kansas City Royals. I then switched over to the cops program after program. If you watched this program long enough, you could form an opinion about who these crazy people are that make up the program. It is usually people drinking or taking drugs, and beating up their wives, and girl friends. Otherwise it is a car chase of someone driving a stolen car.
I gave up and watched the news, and it wasn’t much better.
I just got through reading the Kansas City Star morning newspaper. The Meth makers have found an easier way to make meth. They put the desired chemicals in a soda bottle, and watch the meth grow. It is called “Shake and Bake”. The people making the drugs this way have to watch the bottle, and release the pressure every once in a while. The gas release from the soda bottle is oxygen. In May a guy was driving his car and caught his crotch on fire. I am surmising that he had the bottle between his legs, and was releasing the pressure in the bottle while he was smoking a cigarette. Having your crotch on fire doesn’t seem smart from my perspective.
We are going off to a Farmers market in 30 minutes. We have to go early once again because we have another day of 90 degree temperatures in the forecast. Right now it is 79 degrees, and 80 percent humidity. I am not sure if I could take a summer of this excessive heat. We are going to one of those Jungle type restaurants when it is lunch time. I will be taking an afternoon nap when we return from this adventure.
Have to go.
The grandchildren require attention while their parents get dressed.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
The Curley’s had another pleasant day in Kansas with our son and his family.
We stayed housebound until we went off to a restaurant called the “Smoke House Barbecue.” We didn’t see many thin people at this restaurant. No vegetarians were present either. The grandchildren were pretty good. Isabelle required a few walks, but Gabriel didn’t make a sound through the whole evening meal.
When we arrived home, I decided I needed to watch a little sports. My only choice was to watch the Yankees beat up the hapless Kansas City Royals. I then switched over to the cops program after program. If you watched this program long enough, you could form an opinion about who these crazy people are that make up the program. It is usually people drinking or taking drugs, and beating up their wives, and girl friends. Otherwise it is a car chase of someone driving a stolen car.
I gave up and watched the news, and it wasn’t much better.
I just got through reading the Kansas City Star morning newspaper. The Meth makers have found an easier way to make meth. They put the desired chemicals in a soda bottle, and watch the meth grow. It is called “Shake and Bake”. The people making the drugs this way have to watch the bottle, and release the pressure every once in a while. The gas release from the soda bottle is oxygen. In May a guy was driving his car and caught his crotch on fire. I am surmising that he had the bottle between his legs, and was releasing the pressure in the bottle while he was smoking a cigarette. Having your crotch on fire doesn’t seem smart from my perspective.
We are going off to a Farmers market in 30 minutes. We have to go early once again because we have another day of 90 degree temperatures in the forecast. Right now it is 79 degrees, and 80 percent humidity. I am not sure if I could take a summer of this excessive heat. We are going to one of those Jungle type restaurants when it is lunch time. I will be taking an afternoon nap when we return from this adventure.
Have to go.
The grandchildren require attention while their parents get dressed.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Friday, July 23, 2010
Hello on Friday
Dear Friends,
We had another pleasant day in Kansas despite the 94 degree temperatures with high humidity.
We arrived at the petting zoo around 9 AM. Yesterday, there was no entry fee. We lasted until about noon as the heat intensified. We went to a nearby Red Robin restaurant for lunch. The burgers were great, and they serve endless French fries, and soft drinks too.
We stopped at a deferent farm stand on the way home for some corn on the cob. This batched turned out to be superior, and not like the cow corn from the day before.
We were so exhausted from the heat that three out of four adults (Linda was one of them) took a nap as well as our two grandchildren.
Isabelle and Mike took a dip in their pool before supper.
Speaking of supper, the pulled pork turned out wonderful. I separated fat from the meat when I woke up from my nap. There is only enough left to make one sandwich since it was such a big hit.
It is hard to believe that it is Friday already. Where has all the time gone?
Observation – I was reading the Kansas City Star and I found an interesting article about how a person became creative, and found a new way to make money. This couple created a business called rentafriend.com. It sounds like an escort service, but it is not. One lady hired a person to visit her mother in a nursing home 3 days a week. Another person wanted to hook up with an individual who can show them the sights, and restaurants in a city which they were visiting for the first time. Doesn’t this sound like a tour guide? What ever you want to call it, it works! Americans sure are creative!
Well, the President fired a person in the FDA supposedly because of racist remarks, but it turned out not to be true. The African American woman was offered a job back with the FDA. The media, and the computer got this woman in trouble in the first place. This is why Linda won’t let me get on Facebook. I get myself trouble just sending e-mails to family and friends.
I am not sure what our social plans are for this evening. Whatever it is, we will go with the flow.
I read two books, and just started a third one.
I haven’t watched any sports. I feel like an addict, and I am going into withdrawal mode.
Maybe it is good that I am not watching the Red Sox break my heart on a daily basis.
Have to go because a little munchkin needs a little attention. The Curley Lad
We had another pleasant day in Kansas despite the 94 degree temperatures with high humidity.
We arrived at the petting zoo around 9 AM. Yesterday, there was no entry fee. We lasted until about noon as the heat intensified. We went to a nearby Red Robin restaurant for lunch. The burgers were great, and they serve endless French fries, and soft drinks too.
We stopped at a deferent farm stand on the way home for some corn on the cob. This batched turned out to be superior, and not like the cow corn from the day before.
We were so exhausted from the heat that three out of four adults (Linda was one of them) took a nap as well as our two grandchildren.
Isabelle and Mike took a dip in their pool before supper.
Speaking of supper, the pulled pork turned out wonderful. I separated fat from the meat when I woke up from my nap. There is only enough left to make one sandwich since it was such a big hit.
It is hard to believe that it is Friday already. Where has all the time gone?
Observation – I was reading the Kansas City Star and I found an interesting article about how a person became creative, and found a new way to make money. This couple created a business called rentafriend.com. It sounds like an escort service, but it is not. One lady hired a person to visit her mother in a nursing home 3 days a week. Another person wanted to hook up with an individual who can show them the sights, and restaurants in a city which they were visiting for the first time. Doesn’t this sound like a tour guide? What ever you want to call it, it works! Americans sure are creative!
Well, the President fired a person in the FDA supposedly because of racist remarks, but it turned out not to be true. The African American woman was offered a job back with the FDA. The media, and the computer got this woman in trouble in the first place. This is why Linda won’t let me get on Facebook. I get myself trouble just sending e-mails to family and friends.
I am not sure what our social plans are for this evening. Whatever it is, we will go with the flow.
I read two books, and just started a third one.
I haven’t watched any sports. I feel like an addict, and I am going into withdrawal mode.
Maybe it is good that I am not watching the Red Sox break my heart on a daily basis.
Have to go because a little munchkin needs a little attention. The Curley Lad
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Hello on Thursday from Kansas
Dear Friends,
An e-mail recipient pointed out that I spelled a word incorrectly in the Wednesday e-mail. “Petty” zoo was supposed to be “petting” zoo.
We are leaving the house today at 8:15 AM to go to the petting zoo. The doors to the zoo open at 9 AM, and we are trying to beat the heat, humidity, and the 95 degree predicted temperature.
We spent most of Wednesday indoors in the central air conditioning at their family home. Both Linda and I needed an afternoon nap. Linda doesn’t like napping, but her body was trying to tell her otherwise. She actually slept longer than me which is highly unusual.
For supper I grill some red, and green peppers, and Vidalia onions. The corn on the cob was purchased at a different place than the day before. It turned out to be what Linda and I call cow corn when it has no sweetness or flavor at all. All of the adults agreed with this assessment. I did grill some brats and turkey sausage, but I got carried away with the cooking of them, and we couldn’t tell which was which when I plated them. You would think that I never cooked sausages before in my life. The flavor of the meat was good, but I would call them blackened!
Well I can’t mess up today’s menu. We are having pulled pork sandwiches. I just started a pork shoulder in their crock pot at 5 AM (CST). It should be cooked to perfection by the time we sit down to supper. This family is on an 8 AM, 12 PM, 5 PM meal plan. This brings back memories when my mom was running the kitchen when I was growing up.
Both children sleep through the night very well. Gabriel doesn’t have regimented naps yet. He has a series of cat naps throughout the day. I think that he doesn’t want to miss much throughout the day even though he is only a couple of months old. If anyone talks to Gabe, you can get him to smile. Linda is working her camera feverishly, and we should have some great photos to show my mother and father when we return home next week.
Observation – Speaking of photos, I am so glad that Linda does go to CVS, and sits their hours at a time, and makes prints of the pictures. The newer generation does take many pictures, but they seem to never make it from the camera or the computer to actual photo paper.
As an example of how important photo albums are for Linda and I, we used one yesterday to try and figure out who our latest grandchild looks like. Linda has given both Kevin, and Michael photo albums that she created when our kids were born, and grew up in those formative years. Gabriel has facial features right now that leans toward what his did looked like 36 years ago.
When we last visited Max, Kevin took out the album that Linda had given him. Max is a spitting image of what Kevin looked like at almost one year old. Now things might change during the next few years, but as of this moment you can definitely tell who the father is of the two male grandchildren.
Now we can’t forget about the mothers in this discussion. Isabelle and Gabriel do have some characteristics of their Mom. Besides having pleasant personalities, a great set of teeth (Isabelle so far) like their Mom, they have big feet. When both of them grow up, their shoe size will be larger than their Dad’s. I hope that I didn’t get myself in trouble by pointing this fact out. Laugh at yourself, laugh at life, and the day becomes a much brighter one.
Both Kansas grandchildren won’t have to worrying about using a tanning booth to get that perfect color. Isabelle tans well, and Gabriel must have picked up some of that Sicilian dark skin from Grandpa Curley as well as blue eyes.
Max, from North Tewksbury, picked up his mother’s fair skin. He might have to use sun screen chemicals when he goes out in the sun for the rest of his life.
Before I grab my second cup of coffee, one of my Irish Sister City friends wanted me to put out a message about the August 10 Independent League baseball game at Wahconah Park. The Pittsfield Irish Sister Committee is sponsoring a night at the park. For $20 per person, you get hot dogs, hamburgers, various salads as well as a ticket to the game. This will be taking place at the picnic area within the ball park which will be reserved for us. It is a cash bar for alcoholic beverages. We need about 60 people to make the event work. We are short about 20 people at the current time. Send me an e-mail, and I will get you the tickets. Yes. Linda and I will be attending the event during this busy week that the Curley’s have.
As soon as we get back from any trip, we always seemed to be booked in for multiple events. This is why it is so nice to go somewhere, and not have a care in the world. I missed a UNICO Golf Committee meeting last night. Hopefully my co-chair buddy took care of thing (in charge of prizes and goody bags for the players as well a tee and green signs of sponsors) in my absence.
Well, I have to go out the front door, and be greeted by the swallows and bird excrement as I make my way to the newspaper which is sitting in their driveway right now.
Have a great Thursday.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
An e-mail recipient pointed out that I spelled a word incorrectly in the Wednesday e-mail. “Petty” zoo was supposed to be “petting” zoo.
We are leaving the house today at 8:15 AM to go to the petting zoo. The doors to the zoo open at 9 AM, and we are trying to beat the heat, humidity, and the 95 degree predicted temperature.
We spent most of Wednesday indoors in the central air conditioning at their family home. Both Linda and I needed an afternoon nap. Linda doesn’t like napping, but her body was trying to tell her otherwise. She actually slept longer than me which is highly unusual.
For supper I grill some red, and green peppers, and Vidalia onions. The corn on the cob was purchased at a different place than the day before. It turned out to be what Linda and I call cow corn when it has no sweetness or flavor at all. All of the adults agreed with this assessment. I did grill some brats and turkey sausage, but I got carried away with the cooking of them, and we couldn’t tell which was which when I plated them. You would think that I never cooked sausages before in my life. The flavor of the meat was good, but I would call them blackened!
Well I can’t mess up today’s menu. We are having pulled pork sandwiches. I just started a pork shoulder in their crock pot at 5 AM (CST). It should be cooked to perfection by the time we sit down to supper. This family is on an 8 AM, 12 PM, 5 PM meal plan. This brings back memories when my mom was running the kitchen when I was growing up.
Both children sleep through the night very well. Gabriel doesn’t have regimented naps yet. He has a series of cat naps throughout the day. I think that he doesn’t want to miss much throughout the day even though he is only a couple of months old. If anyone talks to Gabe, you can get him to smile. Linda is working her camera feverishly, and we should have some great photos to show my mother and father when we return home next week.
Observation – Speaking of photos, I am so glad that Linda does go to CVS, and sits their hours at a time, and makes prints of the pictures. The newer generation does take many pictures, but they seem to never make it from the camera or the computer to actual photo paper.
As an example of how important photo albums are for Linda and I, we used one yesterday to try and figure out who our latest grandchild looks like. Linda has given both Kevin, and Michael photo albums that she created when our kids were born, and grew up in those formative years. Gabriel has facial features right now that leans toward what his did looked like 36 years ago.
When we last visited Max, Kevin took out the album that Linda had given him. Max is a spitting image of what Kevin looked like at almost one year old. Now things might change during the next few years, but as of this moment you can definitely tell who the father is of the two male grandchildren.
Now we can’t forget about the mothers in this discussion. Isabelle and Gabriel do have some characteristics of their Mom. Besides having pleasant personalities, a great set of teeth (Isabelle so far) like their Mom, they have big feet. When both of them grow up, their shoe size will be larger than their Dad’s. I hope that I didn’t get myself in trouble by pointing this fact out. Laugh at yourself, laugh at life, and the day becomes a much brighter one.
Both Kansas grandchildren won’t have to worrying about using a tanning booth to get that perfect color. Isabelle tans well, and Gabriel must have picked up some of that Sicilian dark skin from Grandpa Curley as well as blue eyes.
Max, from North Tewksbury, picked up his mother’s fair skin. He might have to use sun screen chemicals when he goes out in the sun for the rest of his life.
Before I grab my second cup of coffee, one of my Irish Sister City friends wanted me to put out a message about the August 10 Independent League baseball game at Wahconah Park. The Pittsfield Irish Sister Committee is sponsoring a night at the park. For $20 per person, you get hot dogs, hamburgers, various salads as well as a ticket to the game. This will be taking place at the picnic area within the ball park which will be reserved for us. It is a cash bar for alcoholic beverages. We need about 60 people to make the event work. We are short about 20 people at the current time. Send me an e-mail, and I will get you the tickets. Yes. Linda and I will be attending the event during this busy week that the Curley’s have.
As soon as we get back from any trip, we always seemed to be booked in for multiple events. This is why it is so nice to go somewhere, and not have a care in the world. I missed a UNICO Golf Committee meeting last night. Hopefully my co-chair buddy took care of thing (in charge of prizes and goody bags for the players as well a tee and green signs of sponsors) in my absence.
Well, I have to go out the front door, and be greeted by the swallows and bird excrement as I make my way to the newspaper which is sitting in their driveway right now.
Have a great Thursday.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Hello on Wednesday
Dear Friends,
Everyone is up, and we all had French toast for breakfast.
We are going to a petty zoo, but we have to wait for a thunderstorm to move through before the sun comes out, and we reach a hot and humid 94 + degrees.
Even though we do get almost daily photos on the computer by way of I pods of all the grandchildren, it is so nice to give them hugs in person.
The fresh corn in Kansas is ahead of us in the Berkshires. I wouldn’t mind having it every day of the week.
The world is pretty quiet today.
I just got through reading the Kansas City Star newspaper, but it wasn’t easy getting it off the driveway of their house. A nest of swallows and their four babies have built up a nest above their front door. The parents of the birds dive bombed me as I exited and entered their front door. When the young birds leave the nest, Mike will be remove the nest.
The Red Sox lost an extra inning game. They could have picked up a game on the Yankees who lost their game, but it just wasn’t to be.
Observation – I was thinking about the economy, and the large number of people who are unemployed. I was talking politics with a tradesperson, and he had a solution to the problem. He said that the President should tell the nation that everything is going to cost a few bucks more, but we are going to start making products in the United States. We won’t be purchasing any products made in foreign countries until we get our country back on its feet.
It sounds simple, but it is really complicated. People who invest in the stock market, and companies, etc. want a high rate of return on their investments. To get the high rate of return, you have the people who make the products being paid terrible wages. Now some of the workers in these countries are starting to protest these low wages which workers in the United States did at the beginning of the 20th century.
Does greed control the world?
Well, we have to get dressed and make some decisions. The petty zoo trip has been moved to Thursday.
It might be a jump on the trampoline, and a dip in the pool day.
This will be good for Linda and I since we had a busy month or so, the business will continue when we get back home.
Have a great Wednesday.
Ours is off to a good start already! The Curley Lad
Everyone is up, and we all had French toast for breakfast.
We are going to a petty zoo, but we have to wait for a thunderstorm to move through before the sun comes out, and we reach a hot and humid 94 + degrees.
Even though we do get almost daily photos on the computer by way of I pods of all the grandchildren, it is so nice to give them hugs in person.
The fresh corn in Kansas is ahead of us in the Berkshires. I wouldn’t mind having it every day of the week.
The world is pretty quiet today.
I just got through reading the Kansas City Star newspaper, but it wasn’t easy getting it off the driveway of their house. A nest of swallows and their four babies have built up a nest above their front door. The parents of the birds dive bombed me as I exited and entered their front door. When the young birds leave the nest, Mike will be remove the nest.
The Red Sox lost an extra inning game. They could have picked up a game on the Yankees who lost their game, but it just wasn’t to be.
Observation – I was thinking about the economy, and the large number of people who are unemployed. I was talking politics with a tradesperson, and he had a solution to the problem. He said that the President should tell the nation that everything is going to cost a few bucks more, but we are going to start making products in the United States. We won’t be purchasing any products made in foreign countries until we get our country back on its feet.
It sounds simple, but it is really complicated. People who invest in the stock market, and companies, etc. want a high rate of return on their investments. To get the high rate of return, you have the people who make the products being paid terrible wages. Now some of the workers in these countries are starting to protest these low wages which workers in the United States did at the beginning of the 20th century.
Does greed control the world?
Well, we have to get dressed and make some decisions. The petty zoo trip has been moved to Thursday.
It might be a jump on the trampoline, and a dip in the pool day.
This will be good for Linda and I since we had a busy month or so, the business will continue when we get back home.
Have a great Wednesday.
Ours is off to a good start already! The Curley Lad
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Hello on Tuesday evening
Dear Friends,
I have been absent from the airwaves for a couple of days, but I am back on line.
We saw all three grandkids today. Kevin and Max gave us a ride to Logan airport around 9 AM this morning. There was very little traffic form North Tewksbury to the airport.
We had one stop in Milwaukee which is a hub for Midwest airlines. We didn’t have to exit the airplane. The fight landed on time, and we were greeted at the airport by Mike, Danielle, Isabelle, and Gabriel. The family car is now a Chevy Suburban. What a beautiful machine! They bought it off another military guy who got shipped off to Japan. He decided not to have it shipped to such a long way.
We just got through a wonderful supper of grilled chicken, fresh corn on the cob, and home made baked French fries.
Just before supper they had a pretty wicked thunderstorm in Leavenowrth which lasted over an hour or so. These certainly were not like the fast moving ones that we get in the Berkshires.
It is hot and humid in Kansas. It is similar to what the permanent Florida residents would be getting. I think that Al Gore was correct about Global Warming. A friend has a son who owns a bar in Germany, and they said that it has been hot in that part of the world. Even the often cooler Russia is experiencing a heat wave.
Our contractors should have all the painting done at our home when we return in a week. We are still waiting for the claims adjuster to send in his report.
The Red Sox made the front page of the USA Today Sports section. The focus was on all the wounded warriors on the team, and how the manager is trying to deal with the situation.
We saw the movie “Inception”. It was too deep for me even though it received a four star rating. It reminded me of the Matrix which I fell asleep watching several years ago. We did see some previews of some movies that I am excited about seeing.
Our son and his wife own I-Phones, and they were showing us all the applications that they have available. You don’t need a GPS device, a recipe book, scores of sports’ teams, weather, take pictures, movies, send and receive e-mails, etc. It might be too complicated for me.
Well, I have to end this e-mail. I am a bit tired from our day which started at 5 AM EST.
I function better in the morning.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
I have been absent from the airwaves for a couple of days, but I am back on line.
We saw all three grandkids today. Kevin and Max gave us a ride to Logan airport around 9 AM this morning. There was very little traffic form North Tewksbury to the airport.
We had one stop in Milwaukee which is a hub for Midwest airlines. We didn’t have to exit the airplane. The fight landed on time, and we were greeted at the airport by Mike, Danielle, Isabelle, and Gabriel. The family car is now a Chevy Suburban. What a beautiful machine! They bought it off another military guy who got shipped off to Japan. He decided not to have it shipped to such a long way.
We just got through a wonderful supper of grilled chicken, fresh corn on the cob, and home made baked French fries.
Just before supper they had a pretty wicked thunderstorm in Leavenowrth which lasted over an hour or so. These certainly were not like the fast moving ones that we get in the Berkshires.
It is hot and humid in Kansas. It is similar to what the permanent Florida residents would be getting. I think that Al Gore was correct about Global Warming. A friend has a son who owns a bar in Germany, and they said that it has been hot in that part of the world. Even the often cooler Russia is experiencing a heat wave.
Our contractors should have all the painting done at our home when we return in a week. We are still waiting for the claims adjuster to send in his report.
The Red Sox made the front page of the USA Today Sports section. The focus was on all the wounded warriors on the team, and how the manager is trying to deal with the situation.
We saw the movie “Inception”. It was too deep for me even though it received a four star rating. It reminded me of the Matrix which I fell asleep watching several years ago. We did see some previews of some movies that I am excited about seeing.
Our son and his wife own I-Phones, and they were showing us all the applications that they have available. You don’t need a GPS device, a recipe book, scores of sports’ teams, weather, take pictures, movies, send and receive e-mails, etc. It might be too complicated for me.
Well, I have to end this e-mail. I am a bit tired from our day which started at 5 AM EST.
I function better in the morning.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Hello on Saturday Morning
Dear Friends,
Friday went as planned.
I played my usual not so great round of golf, and I did help the team that I was assigned to on one hole out of 18 holes.
My neighbor and playing partner for the day had a golfing injury on the fourth hole. He was buried in the rough, and swung hard to extricate his ball. He heard a pop in his bicep muscle. My quick diagnosis was that he has tendon damage, and not just a strained muscle. This occurred just after we agreed to take over the reins the Senior Golf Tournament for our members who are 50 years old and over this year on August 16, 2010. We agreed to cook the hot dogs and hamburgers, peppers and onions, etc. as well as get all the paper products for the tournament. The departing director said that he would get the burgers (which are from an Italian market and are like steak) and fresh corn on the corn.
I have to see my friend today to do some UNICO Golf stuff, and I am guessing that my friend will be functioning with one good arm. If he does need to get the tendon sewed back to the muscle, he will be out of commission for weeks. I won’t be able to run the food tent alone! Help !!!!!!
The wallpaper / sheet-rock / paint guys were back at it again on Friday. They are so good at this stuff; I / we wish we had money so that they could remodel every room in the house. The workers return this Monday. After the walls and ceiling get done it will be onto the flooring.
During the day on Friday, Linda dealt with our son’s Laptop. The computer guy, a former student of mine, extracted the data that Kevin wanted saved. He said that the laptop was ready for the scrap yards. We will drop the disk off to Kevin at some point over the weekend.
My Red Sox are fading into oblivion while the Yankees keep winning. The Yankees won their game with some last inning heroics. There are no heroes on the Red Sox because most of them are on the injured list.
I didn’t check to see how dear old dad was doing on Friday. I will stop off and see him during the early morning, and maybe make him breakfast if he so desires.
Social Calendar – We are off to another party today which starts at 4 PM. This is a tenth anniversary party as well as a fortieth birthday party for the wife of the special couple. This will be a catered party so that we just can breeze in and breeze out and have no worries whatsoever. Since the husband is a State Police Officer, I would imagine that there might be several law enforcement personnel in attendance. I think the number of people who are attending will be in the 80 person range. It should be a great party.
Last night we went off to the Shamrock Restaurant and Pub. We sat at the bar and played Keno for at least an hour or so before we decided to sit down and eat.
While at the bar, a couple of guys were sitting next to us. They were newbie’s. This was the first time that they ever had the Friday night Seafood at the Shamrock. They appeared not to be locals. They asked the bartender if they have seafood night more than just Friday night. We knew that the answer was “No” They were totally impressed with the food that this small restaurant puts out. All of their seafood is fresh and lightly battered if you have the fried seafood. I wish that they would do Fried Calamari, but Calamari is not on the menu. Their clam chowder is some of the best in the Berkshires too.
Today is also a day in which we have to decide what type and how much clothes we are taking to Kansas next week. Since it has been so hot in Kansas, we are taking summer weight clothes, and a couple of bathing suits, and that is it. We will use the washing machine and drier at our son’s home when needed.
Isabelle, the two and one half year old, is really excited that her grand parents from Massachusetts are coming to visit. She can’t wait for our arrival, and we can wait either.
I am going to give the lawn a trim too if I can squeeze that in too
My sister is having a little cookout for my brother-in-law on Sunday. We will be on our way to North Tewksbury when the party takes place. Oh Darn! He will be turning 60 years old which is quite a big milestone. He too is fortunate to have his mom and dad still on this earth, and living a couple miles away from his home.
Well, Linda said it was okay to crank up the washing machine at this rather early hour. The air conditioner in the bedroom should be able to block out the sounds of the washing machine.
On Monday, the washing machine and drier will be put out in the garage for the week that we are in Kansas, and possibly longer. The toilet has been out in the garage all week. Good thing that we have three other toilets to choose from.
Have a great weekend!
The Curley’s will be having one for sure!
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Friday went as planned.
I played my usual not so great round of golf, and I did help the team that I was assigned to on one hole out of 18 holes.
My neighbor and playing partner for the day had a golfing injury on the fourth hole. He was buried in the rough, and swung hard to extricate his ball. He heard a pop in his bicep muscle. My quick diagnosis was that he has tendon damage, and not just a strained muscle. This occurred just after we agreed to take over the reins the Senior Golf Tournament for our members who are 50 years old and over this year on August 16, 2010. We agreed to cook the hot dogs and hamburgers, peppers and onions, etc. as well as get all the paper products for the tournament. The departing director said that he would get the burgers (which are from an Italian market and are like steak) and fresh corn on the corn.
I have to see my friend today to do some UNICO Golf stuff, and I am guessing that my friend will be functioning with one good arm. If he does need to get the tendon sewed back to the muscle, he will be out of commission for weeks. I won’t be able to run the food tent alone! Help !!!!!!
The wallpaper / sheet-rock / paint guys were back at it again on Friday. They are so good at this stuff; I / we wish we had money so that they could remodel every room in the house. The workers return this Monday. After the walls and ceiling get done it will be onto the flooring.
During the day on Friday, Linda dealt with our son’s Laptop. The computer guy, a former student of mine, extracted the data that Kevin wanted saved. He said that the laptop was ready for the scrap yards. We will drop the disk off to Kevin at some point over the weekend.
My Red Sox are fading into oblivion while the Yankees keep winning. The Yankees won their game with some last inning heroics. There are no heroes on the Red Sox because most of them are on the injured list.
I didn’t check to see how dear old dad was doing on Friday. I will stop off and see him during the early morning, and maybe make him breakfast if he so desires.
Social Calendar – We are off to another party today which starts at 4 PM. This is a tenth anniversary party as well as a fortieth birthday party for the wife of the special couple. This will be a catered party so that we just can breeze in and breeze out and have no worries whatsoever. Since the husband is a State Police Officer, I would imagine that there might be several law enforcement personnel in attendance. I think the number of people who are attending will be in the 80 person range. It should be a great party.
Last night we went off to the Shamrock Restaurant and Pub. We sat at the bar and played Keno for at least an hour or so before we decided to sit down and eat.
While at the bar, a couple of guys were sitting next to us. They were newbie’s. This was the first time that they ever had the Friday night Seafood at the Shamrock. They appeared not to be locals. They asked the bartender if they have seafood night more than just Friday night. We knew that the answer was “No” They were totally impressed with the food that this small restaurant puts out. All of their seafood is fresh and lightly battered if you have the fried seafood. I wish that they would do Fried Calamari, but Calamari is not on the menu. Their clam chowder is some of the best in the Berkshires too.
Today is also a day in which we have to decide what type and how much clothes we are taking to Kansas next week. Since it has been so hot in Kansas, we are taking summer weight clothes, and a couple of bathing suits, and that is it. We will use the washing machine and drier at our son’s home when needed.
Isabelle, the two and one half year old, is really excited that her grand parents from Massachusetts are coming to visit. She can’t wait for our arrival, and we can wait either.
I am going to give the lawn a trim too if I can squeeze that in too
My sister is having a little cookout for my brother-in-law on Sunday. We will be on our way to North Tewksbury when the party takes place. Oh Darn! He will be turning 60 years old which is quite a big milestone. He too is fortunate to have his mom and dad still on this earth, and living a couple miles away from his home.
Well, Linda said it was okay to crank up the washing machine at this rather early hour. The air conditioner in the bedroom should be able to block out the sounds of the washing machine.
On Monday, the washing machine and drier will be put out in the garage for the week that we are in Kansas, and possibly longer. The toilet has been out in the garage all week. Good thing that we have three other toilets to choose from.
Have a great weekend!
The Curley’s will be having one for sure!
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Friday, July 16, 2010
Hello on Friday Morning
Dear Friends,
My way of dealing with aging parents certainly brought up a great deal of discussion. Like one of the responders said, it is a decision by the family as well as the aging parents.
Speaking of dear old dad, my sister set dad up in his own home after he was discharged from the hospital a little after noon on Thursday. My sister made sure that the hospital bed on the first floor was working fine. She made sure that dad had everything he needed before she left to go back to her own home.
I called dad last night, and Dad was in bed and reading a book. He decided not to sleep in the hospital bed. He went upstairs to his own bed on the second floor. He said that there is nothing like sleeping in his own bed. Is this De Ja Vu all over again?
Last evening, Linda and I decided to just chill and not go off to the Third Thursday or Patrick’s Pub. Linda chose to knit and watch reruns, and I went in the screened in room on the deck to watch the Red Sox. Well, the Red Sox let me down by getting behind by a 6 runs, and this was in the top of the first inning. Luckily, I had the volume turned down, and was reading a book. The book was more exciting than the Red Sox game.
In a few short hours, I will be off to the golf course to play with our Friday morning seniors group. I might have a little trouble swinging the golf clubs since I twisted one of my knees at some point on Thursday. I don’t remember when and how that it happened.
My father’s roommate in the hospital was a cranky guy who kept on using vulgar language when addressing hospital staff, and doctors too. A little curtain between my father and his roommate still allows you to hear every word of any conversations. The guy must have had diabetes and was there in the hospital because all the toes on one leg were totally gone. The operation must have happened during his stay at the hospital because someone from the wound clinic was taking care of him when I was there. This guy was getting discharged, and being sent to a nursing home. Wait until the staff in the nursing home staff has to deal with him?
I think that he is a little younger than me.
What really made my day was when my father said that I was related to the guy by way of my mother’s side of the family. All the nurses who dealt with this man said that he was a mean and crotchety guy every time he gets admitted to the hospital.
All the nurses wanted my father to stay longer because he was such a good patient, and an easy one to take care of.
The sheet rock / painter guys were priming the walls on Thursday. They will be back again today.
Social Calendar – I have golf in the morning, but we didn’t have any set plans for this evening. We talked about going to the Shamrock for supper, but my golf course put out a Friday night’s menu of what they have to offer. Their menu seemed pretty awesome too.
Linda is not socially engaged. She was working with a computer guy on Thursday, who was one of my student’s from Taconic High School, to see if he can fix our son Kevin’s laptop. When the computer guy took it apart, he saw that the computer has been dropped, incurred water damage, and there were some burned out electronic parts of the computer. What Kevin really wanted was some data that he needed for his business. He does have his own device to back up data, but he didn’t do so when his computer got sick. The guy said that he could save the data, but the machine is on its way out.
News – The world was quite quiet on Thursday. The cap on the oil well seemed to work for the first test. Some scientists think that the pressure of the gushing oil might be too much for the cap to hold.
Weather – We are supposed to get a rash of thunderstorms late afternoon and evening here in the Berkshires. I can’t wait for the humidity to dissipate! My friends and I should be able to make it through 18 holes of golf before the rains rolls in.
Observation – From what I have observed through my aging parents, for the most part, they don’t want to be a burden on their family. They don’t want to hear that they have to do this or have to do that.
I have had relatives who have put additions on their house with separate living quarters just for their parents.
I have had friends have their parents come live with them.
I have had friends take care of sickly parents in their own home. After a while, the caregiver children were starting to develop their own health issues because of the stress of being there to take care of mom and dad.
Some of my more mature friends who have gone through all the scenarios have told me to leave it up to the professionals. My father would love it if someone made him three square meals a day, wash his clothes, cleaned the house, etc. Well, my sister and I are not up for the task. We have our own families, and our grandchildren whom we are dealing with. If you think that my sister and I are selfish and uncaring then so be it.
Yes, our parents have brought us into this world, kicked us out of the nest, and let us function on our own. We have our own nests to take care.
My sister and I do love our parents, but we can’t be there every waking moment for them, and I don’t think that nature intended us to do so!
Well, I have some quiet chores to take care of, and then I have to select my golf wardrobe.
Have a great Friday!
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
My way of dealing with aging parents certainly brought up a great deal of discussion. Like one of the responders said, it is a decision by the family as well as the aging parents.
Speaking of dear old dad, my sister set dad up in his own home after he was discharged from the hospital a little after noon on Thursday. My sister made sure that the hospital bed on the first floor was working fine. She made sure that dad had everything he needed before she left to go back to her own home.
I called dad last night, and Dad was in bed and reading a book. He decided not to sleep in the hospital bed. He went upstairs to his own bed on the second floor. He said that there is nothing like sleeping in his own bed. Is this De Ja Vu all over again?
Last evening, Linda and I decided to just chill and not go off to the Third Thursday or Patrick’s Pub. Linda chose to knit and watch reruns, and I went in the screened in room on the deck to watch the Red Sox. Well, the Red Sox let me down by getting behind by a 6 runs, and this was in the top of the first inning. Luckily, I had the volume turned down, and was reading a book. The book was more exciting than the Red Sox game.
In a few short hours, I will be off to the golf course to play with our Friday morning seniors group. I might have a little trouble swinging the golf clubs since I twisted one of my knees at some point on Thursday. I don’t remember when and how that it happened.
My father’s roommate in the hospital was a cranky guy who kept on using vulgar language when addressing hospital staff, and doctors too. A little curtain between my father and his roommate still allows you to hear every word of any conversations. The guy must have had diabetes and was there in the hospital because all the toes on one leg were totally gone. The operation must have happened during his stay at the hospital because someone from the wound clinic was taking care of him when I was there. This guy was getting discharged, and being sent to a nursing home. Wait until the staff in the nursing home staff has to deal with him?
I think that he is a little younger than me.
What really made my day was when my father said that I was related to the guy by way of my mother’s side of the family. All the nurses who dealt with this man said that he was a mean and crotchety guy every time he gets admitted to the hospital.
All the nurses wanted my father to stay longer because he was such a good patient, and an easy one to take care of.
The sheet rock / painter guys were priming the walls on Thursday. They will be back again today.
Social Calendar – I have golf in the morning, but we didn’t have any set plans for this evening. We talked about going to the Shamrock for supper, but my golf course put out a Friday night’s menu of what they have to offer. Their menu seemed pretty awesome too.
Linda is not socially engaged. She was working with a computer guy on Thursday, who was one of my student’s from Taconic High School, to see if he can fix our son Kevin’s laptop. When the computer guy took it apart, he saw that the computer has been dropped, incurred water damage, and there were some burned out electronic parts of the computer. What Kevin really wanted was some data that he needed for his business. He does have his own device to back up data, but he didn’t do so when his computer got sick. The guy said that he could save the data, but the machine is on its way out.
News – The world was quite quiet on Thursday. The cap on the oil well seemed to work for the first test. Some scientists think that the pressure of the gushing oil might be too much for the cap to hold.
Weather – We are supposed to get a rash of thunderstorms late afternoon and evening here in the Berkshires. I can’t wait for the humidity to dissipate! My friends and I should be able to make it through 18 holes of golf before the rains rolls in.
Observation – From what I have observed through my aging parents, for the most part, they don’t want to be a burden on their family. They don’t want to hear that they have to do this or have to do that.
I have had relatives who have put additions on their house with separate living quarters just for their parents.
I have had friends have their parents come live with them.
I have had friends take care of sickly parents in their own home. After a while, the caregiver children were starting to develop their own health issues because of the stress of being there to take care of mom and dad.
Some of my more mature friends who have gone through all the scenarios have told me to leave it up to the professionals. My father would love it if someone made him three square meals a day, wash his clothes, cleaned the house, etc. Well, my sister and I are not up for the task. We have our own families, and our grandchildren whom we are dealing with. If you think that my sister and I are selfish and uncaring then so be it.
Yes, our parents have brought us into this world, kicked us out of the nest, and let us function on our own. We have our own nests to take care.
My sister and I do love our parents, but we can’t be there every waking moment for them, and I don’t think that nature intended us to do so!
Well, I have some quiet chores to take care of, and then I have to select my golf wardrobe.
Have a great Friday!
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Hello on Thursday Morning
Dear Friends,
Well, my Thursday didn’t go as planned, but I still made it through it okay.
I am not sure how Linda’s book club dinner meeting went because I was in bed when she arrived home.
The little problem I created the night before didn’t interfere with either of our activities on Wednesday, We even had a lunch date at a place right across from the hospital on the way to visit my father.
I am my way to Retro Fitness in less than an hour.
Linda has a body maintenance procedure mid morning, but I will most likely be at the hospital seeing what is happening with dad. I am surmising that even though he required no pain medicine on Wednesday, he might be experiencing some pain today. Those bumps and bruises from falling down 13 stairs have to manifest themselves even though he didn’t break a bone in his body.
I slept well last night knowing that he was being well taken care of, at Berkshire Medical Center.
The wallpaper guy did work on the hallway walls on Wednesday. The stuff that he was applying to fill up imperfections in the sheetrock really had a sickening odor. Linda tried to do her morning routine in the screened in room on the deck, but she still couldn’t escape the smell. This is why I came and rescued her, and we had lunch. We visited dad just about the time that they delivered his lunch. He once again ate very well. He was sitting up in bed while he ate, and he had no indication of pain whatsoever.
After we returned home, I made some calls to my Aunt Gladys, who lives next to the family home in Lee, and also to my father’s last remaining brother Uncle Joe.
Both were amazed that my father didn’t break anything. I also chatted with several friends who are on my e-mail list who too couldn’t believe that no parts of his body were broken. For an 86 year old man (who will be 87 in November) to take a tumble like he did, and break nothing was truly a miracle. I even asked dad in the emergency room if his wrists were okay because most of us would try to brake the fall by using our wrists. He moved his wrists for me, and they appeared to work fine.
The doctor who read the CAT Scan had him move his neck in various positions, and he did so for the doctor while experiencing no pain.
Social Calendar – Tonight is Third Thursday, and we were planning on seeing what we have been missing since our Irish group is not cooking bangers, and selling Irish Whiskey Cake tonight. I can’t make a commitment right now since I am not sure whether dad will be sent home or be kept for another day. I am betting that he will be discharged.
I really can’t think about anything else right now whether it is politics, or world events. I did watch the news briefly yesterday, and 7 more of our military personnel were killed in Afghanistan. Is this a no win war like Vietnam?
Well, I have to finish my coffee, and head off to the gym.
Have a great Thursday.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Well, my Thursday didn’t go as planned, but I still made it through it okay.
I am not sure how Linda’s book club dinner meeting went because I was in bed when she arrived home.
The little problem I created the night before didn’t interfere with either of our activities on Wednesday, We even had a lunch date at a place right across from the hospital on the way to visit my father.
I am my way to Retro Fitness in less than an hour.
Linda has a body maintenance procedure mid morning, but I will most likely be at the hospital seeing what is happening with dad. I am surmising that even though he required no pain medicine on Wednesday, he might be experiencing some pain today. Those bumps and bruises from falling down 13 stairs have to manifest themselves even though he didn’t break a bone in his body.
I slept well last night knowing that he was being well taken care of, at Berkshire Medical Center.
The wallpaper guy did work on the hallway walls on Wednesday. The stuff that he was applying to fill up imperfections in the sheetrock really had a sickening odor. Linda tried to do her morning routine in the screened in room on the deck, but she still couldn’t escape the smell. This is why I came and rescued her, and we had lunch. We visited dad just about the time that they delivered his lunch. He once again ate very well. He was sitting up in bed while he ate, and he had no indication of pain whatsoever.
After we returned home, I made some calls to my Aunt Gladys, who lives next to the family home in Lee, and also to my father’s last remaining brother Uncle Joe.
Both were amazed that my father didn’t break anything. I also chatted with several friends who are on my e-mail list who too couldn’t believe that no parts of his body were broken. For an 86 year old man (who will be 87 in November) to take a tumble like he did, and break nothing was truly a miracle. I even asked dad in the emergency room if his wrists were okay because most of us would try to brake the fall by using our wrists. He moved his wrists for me, and they appeared to work fine.
The doctor who read the CAT Scan had him move his neck in various positions, and he did so for the doctor while experiencing no pain.
Social Calendar – Tonight is Third Thursday, and we were planning on seeing what we have been missing since our Irish group is not cooking bangers, and selling Irish Whiskey Cake tonight. I can’t make a commitment right now since I am not sure whether dad will be sent home or be kept for another day. I am betting that he will be discharged.
I really can’t think about anything else right now whether it is politics, or world events. I did watch the news briefly yesterday, and 7 more of our military personnel were killed in Afghanistan. Is this a no win war like Vietnam?
Well, I have to finish my coffee, and head off to the gym.
Have a great Thursday.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Hello on Wed. Evening
Dear Friends,
Here is the update on my father. Dad went off to the bathroom on the second floor, where his bedroom is located, around 2 AM. On the way back to bed he lost his balance at the top of the stairs and fell 13 stairs to laundry room which is directly across from the stairs. When I say stairs, I am talking about a narrow set of stairs with a lift mounted off to the side going from the bottom of the stairs to the top of the stairs. He had a “Link to Life” wrist band which got knocked off during the fall. When he landed on the linoleum floor he must have blacked out. When he did wake up, and found the Link to Life device, he pushed the button, and said that he had fallen, and couldn’t get up. The Link to Life people tried to communicate with dad, but they couldn’t understand what he was saying. The Link to Life people called my sister around 5:00 AM. She dashed off to Lee, and saw dad on the floor, and called 911. My sister rode with dad in the ambulance from Lee to Pittsfield (about 12 miles). My sister called me at 6:30 AM, and told me that she was in the emergency room with dad.
I got dressed and headed off to the emergency. Marie went home around 8 AM, and I stayed with dad through cat scans, and x-rays. The doctors could find no broken bones or damage to his spine, etc. He was all banged up. His left eye was black and blue like he was in a fight. He has bruises on legs and other parts of his lower extremities. After the emergency room doctor called my father’s PCP, they decided to admit him. Once he got situated in his room, I left the hospital around noon, and went home and picked up Linda. The both of us went back to the hospital to visit with him.
While I was with Dad, Marie headed off to Lee to get dad some clothes and toilet when she visits him, she will drop off them off to dad. The personnel in the emergency room used scissors and cut off his bathrobe.
If you saw dad after he ate lunch, like Linda and I did, and could visualize him without the facial bruise over his left eye, you would think he was perfectly normal. He didn’t even need pain medication during the whole ordeal. I am guessing that if he can walk by tomorrow morning with a cane, he will be discharged.
Dad is one lucky guy. He could have broken every bone in his body, but he didn’t. This is the second time that he has fallen down a flight of stairs. Several years ago, he fell at his brother’s home, but he wasn’t so lucky.
Maybe in another life, Dad can come back as a stuntman.
I am guessing that some of the fall was caused by a lack of eating and lack of drinking water. Being dehydrated is a curse especially for the elderly especially since it has been so hot and humid in the Berkshires.
One of my baby boomer friends had fainted, a couple of years ago, on the deck of the country club. Of course, they treated him like he was having a heart attack after they rushed him to the hospital. Not! His electrolytes were out of balance because he wasn’t drinking enough water while he was on the golf course during one of those hot days.
So there you have it. It is one of those “bumps in road” that we all seem to have.
Have a great evening.
I will be at the hospital on Thursday morning to see what is happening with dad.
My sister and I are now starting worry about leaving dad alone in his house 24 / 7. We are going to chat with elder services to see if they can get him some help to manage daily.
The saga continues! The Curley Lad
Here is the update on my father. Dad went off to the bathroom on the second floor, where his bedroom is located, around 2 AM. On the way back to bed he lost his balance at the top of the stairs and fell 13 stairs to laundry room which is directly across from the stairs. When I say stairs, I am talking about a narrow set of stairs with a lift mounted off to the side going from the bottom of the stairs to the top of the stairs. He had a “Link to Life” wrist band which got knocked off during the fall. When he landed on the linoleum floor he must have blacked out. When he did wake up, and found the Link to Life device, he pushed the button, and said that he had fallen, and couldn’t get up. The Link to Life people tried to communicate with dad, but they couldn’t understand what he was saying. The Link to Life people called my sister around 5:00 AM. She dashed off to Lee, and saw dad on the floor, and called 911. My sister rode with dad in the ambulance from Lee to Pittsfield (about 12 miles). My sister called me at 6:30 AM, and told me that she was in the emergency room with dad.
I got dressed and headed off to the emergency. Marie went home around 8 AM, and I stayed with dad through cat scans, and x-rays. The doctors could find no broken bones or damage to his spine, etc. He was all banged up. His left eye was black and blue like he was in a fight. He has bruises on legs and other parts of his lower extremities. After the emergency room doctor called my father’s PCP, they decided to admit him. Once he got situated in his room, I left the hospital around noon, and went home and picked up Linda. The both of us went back to the hospital to visit with him.
While I was with Dad, Marie headed off to Lee to get dad some clothes and toilet when she visits him, she will drop off them off to dad. The personnel in the emergency room used scissors and cut off his bathrobe.
If you saw dad after he ate lunch, like Linda and I did, and could visualize him without the facial bruise over his left eye, you would think he was perfectly normal. He didn’t even need pain medication during the whole ordeal. I am guessing that if he can walk by tomorrow morning with a cane, he will be discharged.
Dad is one lucky guy. He could have broken every bone in his body, but he didn’t. This is the second time that he has fallen down a flight of stairs. Several years ago, he fell at his brother’s home, but he wasn’t so lucky.
Maybe in another life, Dad can come back as a stuntman.
I am guessing that some of the fall was caused by a lack of eating and lack of drinking water. Being dehydrated is a curse especially for the elderly especially since it has been so hot and humid in the Berkshires.
One of my baby boomer friends had fainted, a couple of years ago, on the deck of the country club. Of course, they treated him like he was having a heart attack after they rushed him to the hospital. Not! His electrolytes were out of balance because he wasn’t drinking enough water while he was on the golf course during one of those hot days.
So there you have it. It is one of those “bumps in road” that we all seem to have.
Have a great evening.
I will be at the hospital on Thursday morning to see what is happening with dad.
My sister and I are now starting worry about leaving dad alone in his house 24 / 7. We are going to chat with elder services to see if they can get him some help to manage daily.
The saga continues! The Curley Lad
Hello on Wednesday Morning
Dear Friends,
Our Tuesday went as planned except for one bump in the road which I created.
I went off to Lee to wash some windows in the 3 season room on porch at my parent’s home in Lee.
After bonding with my father for a little while, I headed off to the nursing home to visit Mom. I was with her when they brought in her lunch. She once again ate very well.
While I was dealing with my parents, Linda was having a winning time playing Mah Jongg.
We hooked up with another couple as planned for supper and a play. Supper was okay, and what we didn’t love about the meal was explained to the manager as he was going around to tables asking how the meals that they served were. Well, we gave him an earful of constructive criticism.
The theater is less than a block away from the restaurant. While at the theater, I created the bump in a road. I left the theater after half time (Oops, I mean intermission!). The play was okay, but I needed more leg room in our mezzanine seats. I spent the first half of the play trying to get my legs in a comfortable position.
I went to a nearby sports bar and left Linda and the other couple. Linda was a bit upset with me as I told her to swing by the bar and pick me up after the play. She became angrier when another couple, whom we knew, asked where I was as they exited the theater.
There wasn’t much conversation in our car on the way home. I don’t think that I will be invited to attend plays anymore. I did sleep well last evening, but I am not sure how conversation will go when she wakes up this morning.
A couple of weeks ago a male friend caused this same “I am not speaking to you” situation in their relationship. The woman was so upset with her husband, and she requested that I not put this bump in the road in my daily blog. Well, after a few days, their relationship was back to normal, and I am surmising that ours will be too.
We males put incidents like this out of our mind very quickly, but not our female partners. Women never forget these mistakes that we men make. They might even bring them up months and years from now.
How come this mental list of screw ups is longer for males than females?
Sports Bar – I walked into the almost empty sports bar, and I see that the bartender is chatting with a bunch of customers. The bartender looks my way, and finally comes over to wait on me. Visualize a solid looking person wearing dark clothes, short hair, a baseball hat, and with tattoos on a white skinned arms. I thought the bartender was a male. Not! I knew immediately who played the role of the male in any kind of relationship that she was having.
There were another bunch of thirty something females becoming louder as they switched from wine to draft beer.
Another female couple at the bar quietly chatted for the hour or so that I was there. I think that one of the females was a reporter for the local newspaper. She has a column every Thursday on what is going on in the social scene in Berkshire County. There was nothing gone on in this place.
All I wanted to do is sit there, and enjoy a quiet beer as I watched a sporting contest. I did run into a couple of former male students just before I left the place.
Contractor – The boss man showed up on Tuesday, and took the flooring and the paint samples that we (mostly Linda) has decided to go with. No one worked at our place on Tuesday. We told them about us being out of town, and he said that we might be coming back to our house with the flooring installed at least on the first floor.
Social Calendar – Linda has a book club / dinner meeting this evening.
I am not socially engaged which is fine with me. I think that I will do some form of poultry on the grill.
“Separation is good” will probably be the norm for this day.
Maybe we could attend an action packed matinee at the movies this afternoon to help heal the mental wounds from last evening.
Like I always say; “Don’t sweat the little stuff, and be happy in your own little world!” which I am.
Have a great Wednesday!
I am planning on having a great one too.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Our Tuesday went as planned except for one bump in the road which I created.
I went off to Lee to wash some windows in the 3 season room on porch at my parent’s home in Lee.
After bonding with my father for a little while, I headed off to the nursing home to visit Mom. I was with her when they brought in her lunch. She once again ate very well.
While I was dealing with my parents, Linda was having a winning time playing Mah Jongg.
We hooked up with another couple as planned for supper and a play. Supper was okay, and what we didn’t love about the meal was explained to the manager as he was going around to tables asking how the meals that they served were. Well, we gave him an earful of constructive criticism.
The theater is less than a block away from the restaurant. While at the theater, I created the bump in a road. I left the theater after half time (Oops, I mean intermission!). The play was okay, but I needed more leg room in our mezzanine seats. I spent the first half of the play trying to get my legs in a comfortable position.
I went to a nearby sports bar and left Linda and the other couple. Linda was a bit upset with me as I told her to swing by the bar and pick me up after the play. She became angrier when another couple, whom we knew, asked where I was as they exited the theater.
There wasn’t much conversation in our car on the way home. I don’t think that I will be invited to attend plays anymore. I did sleep well last evening, but I am not sure how conversation will go when she wakes up this morning.
A couple of weeks ago a male friend caused this same “I am not speaking to you” situation in their relationship. The woman was so upset with her husband, and she requested that I not put this bump in the road in my daily blog. Well, after a few days, their relationship was back to normal, and I am surmising that ours will be too.
We males put incidents like this out of our mind very quickly, but not our female partners. Women never forget these mistakes that we men make. They might even bring them up months and years from now.
How come this mental list of screw ups is longer for males than females?
Sports Bar – I walked into the almost empty sports bar, and I see that the bartender is chatting with a bunch of customers. The bartender looks my way, and finally comes over to wait on me. Visualize a solid looking person wearing dark clothes, short hair, a baseball hat, and with tattoos on a white skinned arms. I thought the bartender was a male. Not! I knew immediately who played the role of the male in any kind of relationship that she was having.
There were another bunch of thirty something females becoming louder as they switched from wine to draft beer.
Another female couple at the bar quietly chatted for the hour or so that I was there. I think that one of the females was a reporter for the local newspaper. She has a column every Thursday on what is going on in the social scene in Berkshire County. There was nothing gone on in this place.
All I wanted to do is sit there, and enjoy a quiet beer as I watched a sporting contest. I did run into a couple of former male students just before I left the place.
Contractor – The boss man showed up on Tuesday, and took the flooring and the paint samples that we (mostly Linda) has decided to go with. No one worked at our place on Tuesday. We told them about us being out of town, and he said that we might be coming back to our house with the flooring installed at least on the first floor.
Social Calendar – Linda has a book club / dinner meeting this evening.
I am not socially engaged which is fine with me. I think that I will do some form of poultry on the grill.
“Separation is good” will probably be the norm for this day.
Maybe we could attend an action packed matinee at the movies this afternoon to help heal the mental wounds from last evening.
Like I always say; “Don’t sweat the little stuff, and be happy in your own little world!” which I am.
Have a great Wednesday!
I am planning on having a great one too.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Hello on Tuesday morning
Dear Friends,
Another day went as planned.
The wallpaper removal /sheet rock guy spent all day removing wall paper in the hall way. I never used sizing material when I put on the wallpaper some 25+ years ago. This was a big mistake. The wallpaper in the bathroom took a couple minutes to remove because I did it correctly when I put it up.
Today the wallpaper guy has the wallpaper going up the stairs to remove (which we are paying for), and then he has to fix the damaged sheet rock from the first floor hallway.
The guy did say that I did a very good job of matching up the patterns when I put up the original wall paper.
While the Wallpaper guy was doing his thing, we started chatting, and I found out about his whole life. Visualize a short, muscular guy (who works out at a gym) who doesn’t smoke or drink, has been married three times, has multiple children, went bankrupt when he tried to start his own business, and gave up his house as part of a settlement when divorcing one of his wives, and he is ready to get married again at age 42. I actually knew his real father who died of pancreatic cancer. If this guy ever tried to do a family tree, there would be so many branches we would all be confused. He does very good work despite his family situation.
Linda chose the paint which we decided to put up instead of new wallpaper. She also chose the flooring for the first floor, and for a portion of the basement.
Linda did errands while I took an afternoon nap.
My UNICO meeting went well, but I have stuff to do after sending out my morning blog.
Linda has Mah Jongg today. I have to visit Mom in the nursing home. I should also go to Lee, and check on Dad and do some window washing for him. I will probably need a nap after that visit.
Social Calendar – Linda has her Tuesday Mah Jongg session today from 11:30 AM until 4 PM.
This evening, we are going to see a play tonight with another couple. I am psyched for the dinner at a restaurant before the play. The play we are seeing is called Sweeney Todd. Linda and I saw the high school version of it years ago, and I thought that it was well done by the students. Luckily the pain of me going will be eased by the fact that we have a half price ticket system for a few of the theaters in the Berkshires. The wife of the other couple will be getting the tickets today. Wouldn’t it be sad if no tickets were available?
I did watch some sports last evening while I finished reading a book. I sat out in the screened in room on the deck while Linda watched her favorite program in the family room.
I watched the Homerun Derby on ESPN which always precedes tonight’s All Star Game for Major League Baseball. David Ortiz turned out to be the winner of the Home Run derby. This is the first time that a Red Sox player has won such a contest. I was so happy that I saw it live!
Weather – The humidity has already entered the Berkshires. It is so sticky outside, and it is not even 7 AM. I believe in Global Warming!
Observation – A week from now we will be on our way to see the two grandchildren in Kansas. We haven’t seen them in months. We missed the birth of Gabriel back on May 6, but Danielle’ Mom and dad were there for the birth. Danielle’s Mom stayed for a couple of weeks after they took Gabriel home from the hospital. Isabelle and Gabriel are so lucky that they have two sets of grandparents who can give the both of them lots of hugs. I wish we lived closer so that we could see them as much as we see their cousin Max in North Tewksbury.
I was also thinking that I am so lucky that the Curley name will continue. It will be Maxwell, and Gabriel’s job to carry on the tradition.
I have to read the local newspaper, and then decide when I am going out the door. I do want to be around when the wallpaper guy returns today around 8 AM.
Have a great Tuesday.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Another day went as planned.
The wallpaper removal /sheet rock guy spent all day removing wall paper in the hall way. I never used sizing material when I put on the wallpaper some 25+ years ago. This was a big mistake. The wallpaper in the bathroom took a couple minutes to remove because I did it correctly when I put it up.
Today the wallpaper guy has the wallpaper going up the stairs to remove (which we are paying for), and then he has to fix the damaged sheet rock from the first floor hallway.
The guy did say that I did a very good job of matching up the patterns when I put up the original wall paper.
While the Wallpaper guy was doing his thing, we started chatting, and I found out about his whole life. Visualize a short, muscular guy (who works out at a gym) who doesn’t smoke or drink, has been married three times, has multiple children, went bankrupt when he tried to start his own business, and gave up his house as part of a settlement when divorcing one of his wives, and he is ready to get married again at age 42. I actually knew his real father who died of pancreatic cancer. If this guy ever tried to do a family tree, there would be so many branches we would all be confused. He does very good work despite his family situation.
Linda chose the paint which we decided to put up instead of new wallpaper. She also chose the flooring for the first floor, and for a portion of the basement.
Linda did errands while I took an afternoon nap.
My UNICO meeting went well, but I have stuff to do after sending out my morning blog.
Linda has Mah Jongg today. I have to visit Mom in the nursing home. I should also go to Lee, and check on Dad and do some window washing for him. I will probably need a nap after that visit.
Social Calendar – Linda has her Tuesday Mah Jongg session today from 11:30 AM until 4 PM.
This evening, we are going to see a play tonight with another couple. I am psyched for the dinner at a restaurant before the play. The play we are seeing is called Sweeney Todd. Linda and I saw the high school version of it years ago, and I thought that it was well done by the students. Luckily the pain of me going will be eased by the fact that we have a half price ticket system for a few of the theaters in the Berkshires. The wife of the other couple will be getting the tickets today. Wouldn’t it be sad if no tickets were available?
I did watch some sports last evening while I finished reading a book. I sat out in the screened in room on the deck while Linda watched her favorite program in the family room.
I watched the Homerun Derby on ESPN which always precedes tonight’s All Star Game for Major League Baseball. David Ortiz turned out to be the winner of the Home Run derby. This is the first time that a Red Sox player has won such a contest. I was so happy that I saw it live!
Weather – The humidity has already entered the Berkshires. It is so sticky outside, and it is not even 7 AM. I believe in Global Warming!
Observation – A week from now we will be on our way to see the two grandchildren in Kansas. We haven’t seen them in months. We missed the birth of Gabriel back on May 6, but Danielle’ Mom and dad were there for the birth. Danielle’s Mom stayed for a couple of weeks after they took Gabriel home from the hospital. Isabelle and Gabriel are so lucky that they have two sets of grandparents who can give the both of them lots of hugs. I wish we lived closer so that we could see them as much as we see their cousin Max in North Tewksbury.
I was also thinking that I am so lucky that the Curley name will continue. It will be Maxwell, and Gabriel’s job to carry on the tradition.
I have to read the local newspaper, and then decide when I am going out the door. I do want to be around when the wallpaper guy returns today around 8 AM.
Have a great Tuesday.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Monday, July 12, 2010
Hello on Monday Morning
Dear Friends,
The Berkshire contingent met for Sunday breakfast at our hotel in Falmouth around 8:30 AM. One couple was already on the road back to the Berkshires by the time that we arrived for breakfast. We said our “Goodbye’s” around 9:30 AM, and headed off of Cape Cod. As we approached the Massachusetts Turnpike, I asked Linda if she wanted to not get on the Turnpike, and instead to keep heading North on Route 495 to see Kevin, Kyla, and Max in North Tewksbury. This is about a 30 minute ride when there is no traffic. We arrived just about the time that Max was waking up from a morning nap. We had a brief visit, and a quick lunch before we exited North Tewksbury for the Berkshires. We decided to take the scenic Route 2 highway back to the Berkshires.
While in North Tewksbury, we met their house guests who will be staying there until they close on their house in Tewksbury at the end of July. Their houseguests will be living about 9 miles from Kevin and Kyla’s home.
We also found out that Kyla has been acting like a Domestic Goddess, and making supper time meals for her houseguests. Even though Kyla said that she is enjoying cooking, we suggested that certain days of the week that their house guests should be preparing the evening meals. As in-laws, we can suggest, but that is just about as far as it can go.
Kyla said that her company has just got involved in a big case, and that she will be required to drive to and from the city which the case is located in. Picking up Max at day care, and being a Domestic Goddess is going to radically change.
I would be doing a lot more meal preparation by using the crock pot.
If Linda and I lived closer to Kevin and Kyla, we would be helping out for sure.
After we arrived in Pittsfield, we barely had time to empty the car before Linda had to go off to a girl’s gathering at a friend’s home at 6 PM. I washed some clothes while Linda was partying.
I headed upstairs at 10 PM to watch the news, and she still wasn’t home yet. I will get all the details when she wakes up.
Social Calendar -- I think that Linda will be going golfing with her girlfriends this afternoon. I have a 6 PM Golf Committee meeting at the Italian American Club.
The contractor is sending a sheetrock, and wallpaper removal guy at 8 AM to start on the laundry room today even though we are still haggling with the insurance company.
Linda and I can’t stand the confusion. There won’t be any impromptu picnics at our house until our house gets back to normal. The original time frame was estimated to be a month. We are hoping that things go more quickly!
World News – It was the usual turmoil through out the world. Suicide bombers continue to kill innocent people; the war in Afghanistan continues with more American soldiers being killed, the oil spill in the Gulf continues to dump oil, etc.
This is why I keep reminding people to be happy in their own little world if they can. Surround yourself by family and close friends. Hug your grandchildren like we did yesterday if you are fortunate to have grandchildren.
I just returned from Retro Fitness – I engaged in no conversation with anyone which is the way I like it. It was too early for the beautiful people to arrive.
Observation – The owners of the hotel which we stayed at on Cape Cod were from India. There were very pleasant and helpful, but we really had to listen to pick up the accent. I was thinking that when our Italian grandparents arrived on the shores of America, they too must have encountered a language barrier. My Italian grandfather on my mother’s side was from Sicily, and he spoke no English when he arrived in my home town of Lee. Massachusetts. He learned the English language as he entered the work force. My mother tells me that her mother never learned to speak English. My Aunts and Uncle learned English, but they always spoke Italian when they were saying things that little ears weren’t supposed to hear. I wish that I paid attention as a child growing up and living next door to these grandparents. Learning to speak the Italian language would be a real plus in this day and age. Even though we belong to a good number of Italian organizations, many of my friends are like me, and can’t speak the language.
Well, I have to get to some quiet chores.
I am going to give the lawn a trim as soon as the grass dries out from the morning dew.
Have a great week at work or play.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
The Berkshire contingent met for Sunday breakfast at our hotel in Falmouth around 8:30 AM. One couple was already on the road back to the Berkshires by the time that we arrived for breakfast. We said our “Goodbye’s” around 9:30 AM, and headed off of Cape Cod. As we approached the Massachusetts Turnpike, I asked Linda if she wanted to not get on the Turnpike, and instead to keep heading North on Route 495 to see Kevin, Kyla, and Max in North Tewksbury. This is about a 30 minute ride when there is no traffic. We arrived just about the time that Max was waking up from a morning nap. We had a brief visit, and a quick lunch before we exited North Tewksbury for the Berkshires. We decided to take the scenic Route 2 highway back to the Berkshires.
While in North Tewksbury, we met their house guests who will be staying there until they close on their house in Tewksbury at the end of July. Their houseguests will be living about 9 miles from Kevin and Kyla’s home.
We also found out that Kyla has been acting like a Domestic Goddess, and making supper time meals for her houseguests. Even though Kyla said that she is enjoying cooking, we suggested that certain days of the week that their house guests should be preparing the evening meals. As in-laws, we can suggest, but that is just about as far as it can go.
Kyla said that her company has just got involved in a big case, and that she will be required to drive to and from the city which the case is located in. Picking up Max at day care, and being a Domestic Goddess is going to radically change.
I would be doing a lot more meal preparation by using the crock pot.
If Linda and I lived closer to Kevin and Kyla, we would be helping out for sure.
After we arrived in Pittsfield, we barely had time to empty the car before Linda had to go off to a girl’s gathering at a friend’s home at 6 PM. I washed some clothes while Linda was partying.
I headed upstairs at 10 PM to watch the news, and she still wasn’t home yet. I will get all the details when she wakes up.
Social Calendar -- I think that Linda will be going golfing with her girlfriends this afternoon. I have a 6 PM Golf Committee meeting at the Italian American Club.
The contractor is sending a sheetrock, and wallpaper removal guy at 8 AM to start on the laundry room today even though we are still haggling with the insurance company.
Linda and I can’t stand the confusion. There won’t be any impromptu picnics at our house until our house gets back to normal. The original time frame was estimated to be a month. We are hoping that things go more quickly!
World News – It was the usual turmoil through out the world. Suicide bombers continue to kill innocent people; the war in Afghanistan continues with more American soldiers being killed, the oil spill in the Gulf continues to dump oil, etc.
This is why I keep reminding people to be happy in their own little world if they can. Surround yourself by family and close friends. Hug your grandchildren like we did yesterday if you are fortunate to have grandchildren.
I just returned from Retro Fitness – I engaged in no conversation with anyone which is the way I like it. It was too early for the beautiful people to arrive.
Observation – The owners of the hotel which we stayed at on Cape Cod were from India. There were very pleasant and helpful, but we really had to listen to pick up the accent. I was thinking that when our Italian grandparents arrived on the shores of America, they too must have encountered a language barrier. My Italian grandfather on my mother’s side was from Sicily, and he spoke no English when he arrived in my home town of Lee. Massachusetts. He learned the English language as he entered the work force. My mother tells me that her mother never learned to speak English. My Aunts and Uncle learned English, but they always spoke Italian when they were saying things that little ears weren’t supposed to hear. I wish that I paid attention as a child growing up and living next door to these grandparents. Learning to speak the Italian language would be a real plus in this day and age. Even though we belong to a good number of Italian organizations, many of my friends are like me, and can’t speak the language.
Well, I have to get to some quiet chores.
I am going to give the lawn a trim as soon as the grass dries out from the morning dew.
Have a great week at work or play.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Hello on Sunday Morning
Dear Friends,
We started off our Saturday at the complementary breakfast room at our hotel.
Make your own fresh Belgian Waffle was the big hit of
what was on the limited menu. There was plenty of stuff to get you started for
the day.
After breakfast, we shopped for an hour or so at a nearby Christmas Tree Shops
store. We have a semi car full of treasures from the store.
We then got dressed, and left for the two pm wedding. The Church was about three
miles south on the road right outside our hotel.
It was a 45 minute service, but the Bride was 15 minutes late because the limo
got stuck in traffic. We exited the Church at 3 PM.
Since the cocktail hour didn't start until 5 PM, we gathered in one of the
larger rooms that some of the Berkshire people had, and had a party of our own.
The Yellow School bus arrived at our hotel at 4:30 PM. Every Berkshire person
got on the bus except for two ladies who drove their own car.
The Cocktail hour was spectacular. There was an open during this hour, and
throughout the whole reception. The reception took place on a Private Golf
Course called Willowbend. It just oozed big bucks as soon as the bus entered the
grounds as well as when we entered the building. It appeared that they built the
course, and sold big homes around the course.
The waitstaff performed like clockwork. The food was delicious.
Speaking of the food, we were talking about the fact that we never checked off
of what kind of food which we were having at the reception. Everyone was served
what appeared to be a tenderloin of beef. It was cooked so that it was pink in
the middle. Only one person at our table had them cook her beef a little more.
The reception ended at precisely 10 PM. We headed back to the school bus. We
never left the the country club until 10:30 PM. When we arrived back at our
hotel, all of us baby boomer Berkshireites decided not to continue on the "Liam
Maguire's Pub". The youngsters on the bus were driven straight to the Pub.
When we Linda wakes up, we are going to load up the car, have breakfast, and
head back to the Berkshires.
Can you believe it that Linda is socially engaged this evening? She received a
telephone call from a girlfriend while we were in the Christmas Tree Shops. It
will be a gathering of female friends starting at 6 PM at the home of a former
colleague.
It rained a little in the morning when we were shopping, but the rest of
Saturday was another hazy, hot, and humid day. When Linda talked with a couple
of friends from Massachusetts on Saturday, they said that they were engaged in a
rain event.
Since Cape Cod is the farthest point east in Massachusetts, I am guessing that
it might be rainy for a good portion of this day.
Sports -- I see where the Red Sox lost again. Finally, the New York Yankees lost
a game.
I wish that I could watch the World Cup Soccer Finals today. I am rooting for
the underdog, the Netherlands.
Observation 1 -- I haven't been to Cape Cod in a couple of years. I guess I
forgot what it was like to drive on Route 28 that is a main thoroughfare
throughout the Cape. It is a nice place to visit, but to spend several months
with the tourists in stop and go traffic would put me over the edge. The
heaviest traffic in the Berkshires occurs when there is a Tanglewood concert
with performers like James Taylor. The rest of the time, it is quiet and
peaceful in our neck of the woods.
Observation 2 -- I was looking over the Curley schedule for the next four or
more weekends. We are booked in through the first week of August. There is a
little lull with events during the week, and then we head off to a Chevvy Chase
Family Lampoon Vacation down south with two other couples whom we are not
related to. This takes place during the last week of August.
Do you think that Linda and I will ever say that we are bored during these years
of retirement?
Well, I am going to take a shower, and try and do some quiet activities. Yeah
Right!
Have a great Sunday.
We hope to be back home by mid afternoon today.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
We started off our Saturday at the complementary breakfast room at our hotel.
Make your own fresh Belgian Waffle was the big hit of
what was on the limited menu. There was plenty of stuff to get you started for
the day.
After breakfast, we shopped for an hour or so at a nearby Christmas Tree Shops
store. We have a semi car full of treasures from the store.
We then got dressed, and left for the two pm wedding. The Church was about three
miles south on the road right outside our hotel.
It was a 45 minute service, but the Bride was 15 minutes late because the limo
got stuck in traffic. We exited the Church at 3 PM.
Since the cocktail hour didn't start until 5 PM, we gathered in one of the
larger rooms that some of the Berkshire people had, and had a party of our own.
The Yellow School bus arrived at our hotel at 4:30 PM. Every Berkshire person
got on the bus except for two ladies who drove their own car.
The Cocktail hour was spectacular. There was an open during this hour, and
throughout the whole reception. The reception took place on a Private Golf
Course called Willowbend. It just oozed big bucks as soon as the bus entered the
grounds as well as when we entered the building. It appeared that they built the
course, and sold big homes around the course.
The waitstaff performed like clockwork. The food was delicious.
Speaking of the food, we were talking about the fact that we never checked off
of what kind of food which we were having at the reception. Everyone was served
what appeared to be a tenderloin of beef. It was cooked so that it was pink in
the middle. Only one person at our table had them cook her beef a little more.
The reception ended at precisely 10 PM. We headed back to the school bus. We
never left the the country club until 10:30 PM. When we arrived back at our
hotel, all of us baby boomer Berkshireites decided not to continue on the "Liam
Maguire's Pub". The youngsters on the bus were driven straight to the Pub.
When we Linda wakes up, we are going to load up the car, have breakfast, and
head back to the Berkshires.
Can you believe it that Linda is socially engaged this evening? She received a
telephone call from a girlfriend while we were in the Christmas Tree Shops. It
will be a gathering of female friends starting at 6 PM at the home of a former
colleague.
It rained a little in the morning when we were shopping, but the rest of
Saturday was another hazy, hot, and humid day. When Linda talked with a couple
of friends from Massachusetts on Saturday, they said that they were engaged in a
rain event.
Since Cape Cod is the farthest point east in Massachusetts, I am guessing that
it might be rainy for a good portion of this day.
Sports -- I see where the Red Sox lost again. Finally, the New York Yankees lost
a game.
I wish that I could watch the World Cup Soccer Finals today. I am rooting for
the underdog, the Netherlands.
Observation 1 -- I haven't been to Cape Cod in a couple of years. I guess I
forgot what it was like to drive on Route 28 that is a main thoroughfare
throughout the Cape. It is a nice place to visit, but to spend several months
with the tourists in stop and go traffic would put me over the edge. The
heaviest traffic in the Berkshires occurs when there is a Tanglewood concert
with performers like James Taylor. The rest of the time, it is quiet and
peaceful in our neck of the woods.
Observation 2 -- I was looking over the Curley schedule for the next four or
more weekends. We are booked in through the first week of August. There is a
little lull with events during the week, and then we head off to a Chevvy Chase
Family Lampoon Vacation down south with two other couples whom we are not
related to. This takes place during the last week of August.
Do you think that Linda and I will ever say that we are bored during these years
of retirement?
Well, I am going to take a shower, and try and do some quiet activities. Yeah
Right!
Have a great Sunday.
We hope to be back home by mid afternoon today.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Hello on Saturday Morning
Dear Friends.
Our Friday went very well. We encountered very little traffic on the way to Cape Cod. The only time we slowed down was to make an hour stop at the Wrentham Outlets, and when we were going over the Bourne Bridge. For my readers who have never been to the Cape, as you exit the Bridge, all traffic goes into a rotary so that there was a little congestion.
We went to our friend’s home which happens to be 2 miles from our hotel. Our GPS had us taking the scenic route, but we did eventually make it to their place. This was the first time that we have been to our friend’s home. It is one of those Martha Stewart types of homes both inside and outside. Their place is about one mile from the ocean. The owners take care of their manicured lawns, and flower beds. There are bird feeders and bird houses the back yard. They have a very private and wooded lot that their house sits on. They do have neighbors on either side of his house, but woods make it so that you can’t see one another. As my friend said yesterday; “You can run around buck naked in the back yard, and no one can see you except for the birds and squirrels.”
We watched an array of birds coming to their bird feeders as we sat on their deck drinking a couple of Mojitos. In Pittsfield these bird feeders would be knocked over in a heartbeat by the Berkshire bears. I did notice that no squirrels were attacking their bird feeders. My friend said that his pellet gun is a wonderful tool to keep the undesirable varmints away.
After the brief visit with our friends, we came back to the hotel, and we freshened up for our next adventure. We went to a 5 PM to 8 PM party at the home of bride’s grandmother. The home overlooks the water. If we didn’t have a GPS, we would still be driving around on the back roads of Falmouth trying to find the place. Grandma bought the home in the 70’s, and it is worth a fortune at the current day prices. There was even a gate with a guard, and you had to tell him where you were headed to. They had a huge tent set up on the grounds. The food and beverages were endless. One of my friends and I wanted to stay until all the food and beverages were gone, but we all pretty much left at 8 PM except for the bride and groom, and their close friends.
The party continued in the room of one of the Berkshire people at our hotel. I think my head hit the pillow around 10:30 PM. Linda played on the computer as I fell asleep.
I am not sure exactly what we are doing for breakfast. I use the word “we” because there are about 15 people from the Berkshires who are attending the festivities. The hotel has a complementary breakfast which would be good enough for me. Our friends who live in Falmouth told us about a great breakfast place not too far from our hotel.
The wedding begins at 2:00 PM at a Catholic Church a couple miles from our hotel.
After the Church service, we will have to drive about 6 miles to the Willowbend Country Club where the reception is being held. The reception starts with a one hour cocktail hour starting at 5 PM before we sit down to dinner. The reception ends at 10 PM, but the family said that if some of us want to party in downtown Falmouth, a shuttle bus will be provided to and from the hotel. I just happen to know of a great Irish Pub on the main street in Falmouth. The last time that we were there, a Pittsfield High School graduate was a waitress in the establishment.
Well, as you see, the Curley’s have a full and fun day ahead of us.
I do remember going by a Christmas Tree Shops store in our travels on Friday. We might be doing a little recreational shopping before heading off to the wedding.
Have a great Saturday.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Our Friday went very well. We encountered very little traffic on the way to Cape Cod. The only time we slowed down was to make an hour stop at the Wrentham Outlets, and when we were going over the Bourne Bridge. For my readers who have never been to the Cape, as you exit the Bridge, all traffic goes into a rotary so that there was a little congestion.
We went to our friend’s home which happens to be 2 miles from our hotel. Our GPS had us taking the scenic route, but we did eventually make it to their place. This was the first time that we have been to our friend’s home. It is one of those Martha Stewart types of homes both inside and outside. Their place is about one mile from the ocean. The owners take care of their manicured lawns, and flower beds. There are bird feeders and bird houses the back yard. They have a very private and wooded lot that their house sits on. They do have neighbors on either side of his house, but woods make it so that you can’t see one another. As my friend said yesterday; “You can run around buck naked in the back yard, and no one can see you except for the birds and squirrels.”
We watched an array of birds coming to their bird feeders as we sat on their deck drinking a couple of Mojitos. In Pittsfield these bird feeders would be knocked over in a heartbeat by the Berkshire bears. I did notice that no squirrels were attacking their bird feeders. My friend said that his pellet gun is a wonderful tool to keep the undesirable varmints away.
After the brief visit with our friends, we came back to the hotel, and we freshened up for our next adventure. We went to a 5 PM to 8 PM party at the home of bride’s grandmother. The home overlooks the water. If we didn’t have a GPS, we would still be driving around on the back roads of Falmouth trying to find the place. Grandma bought the home in the 70’s, and it is worth a fortune at the current day prices. There was even a gate with a guard, and you had to tell him where you were headed to. They had a huge tent set up on the grounds. The food and beverages were endless. One of my friends and I wanted to stay until all the food and beverages were gone, but we all pretty much left at 8 PM except for the bride and groom, and their close friends.
The party continued in the room of one of the Berkshire people at our hotel. I think my head hit the pillow around 10:30 PM. Linda played on the computer as I fell asleep.
I am not sure exactly what we are doing for breakfast. I use the word “we” because there are about 15 people from the Berkshires who are attending the festivities. The hotel has a complementary breakfast which would be good enough for me. Our friends who live in Falmouth told us about a great breakfast place not too far from our hotel.
The wedding begins at 2:00 PM at a Catholic Church a couple miles from our hotel.
After the Church service, we will have to drive about 6 miles to the Willowbend Country Club where the reception is being held. The reception starts with a one hour cocktail hour starting at 5 PM before we sit down to dinner. The reception ends at 10 PM, but the family said that if some of us want to party in downtown Falmouth, a shuttle bus will be provided to and from the hotel. I just happen to know of a great Irish Pub on the main street in Falmouth. The last time that we were there, a Pittsfield High School graduate was a waitress in the establishment.
Well, as you see, the Curley’s have a full and fun day ahead of us.
I do remember going by a Christmas Tree Shops store in our travels on Friday. We might be doing a little recreational shopping before heading off to the wedding.
Have a great Saturday.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Friday, July 9, 2010
Dear Friends,
Thursday was another day of extreme humidity, and I didn’t enjoy it at all.
Our contractor did stop by with floor samples of hardwood, laminate, and linoleum for Linda to look at and eventually choose. The contractor directed her to Carr Hardware for Benjamin More paint samples because when the wall paper is removed, we have decided to paint the walls instead of putting back wallpaper.
The contractor has a guy coming in on Monday morning to start the renovation of the bathroom / laundry room.
It was so hot yesterday at supper time that we decided to dine out. We and a good portion of the Pittsfield residents made a decision to get out of our homes, and dine in an air conditioned setting. We went to the “99 Restaurant”. The meals that we selected were great. Linda had the Chicken Marsala, and I had the Steak Tips & Chicken tenders. We shared a “smashed” key lime pie to end the meal.
In a few short hours, we will be heading out the door for Cape Cod. We are hoping to be able to check in early, and then drive a couple miles to a friend’s home for a little socializing around 3 PM. After a couple hours of fun and merriment, we then head off to the parents of the bride’s home which is a couple miles from our hotel. This “Welcome Party”, as they called it, goes from 5 PM until 8 PM. I am betting that the 8 PM ending time might be extended a little.
After our dinner at the restaurant, I decided to read a book in bed, and watch the ESPN sports program where LeBron James announced where he was going to play next season in the NBA. I made to the scheduled 9 PM program before I fell asleep. I missed the whole hour long program. I did wake up at one point to hear that he is going to play in Miami. For several days, the talking heads in the Sports’ world talked and talked about the Lebron situation. I am so glad that it is over. Now what new topic will they be discussing?
I still can’t believe how the sports world spent so much time on a high school educated athlete who makes millions playing a game. Is he a role model for our youth?
In 36 years of teaching, I never had one of some very athletically inclined students make it to the NBA. I am not saying to these athletically inclined students that they should give up their dream of making it in the NBA, but the odds are sure stacked up against them.
Water – We have a ban on watering the lawns in Pittsfield. I don’t have to worry about killing the lawns until the next rainfall because they are pretty much burned up already. You can use a hand held device, but if you get caught using a sprinkler; you can be fined 50 dollars.
How bad is the water problem? My golf course is located at the highest point in the City of Pittsfield. The country club had no running water the other day. They had to shut down the kitchen and bathrooms at the golf course club house. There is a small pond on the course which can be used to water greens and fairways, but that water won’t last long in this heat.
The local weather guys are said that Sunday is the day when we will get some relief from the heat. I hope that the couple of thunderstorms, which are predicted before the drop in temperatures and humidity occurs, alleviate some of the water shortage.
Linda and I chatted with Danielle yesterday. She said Michael has now reached the rank of Lt. Colonel. We will be visiting their family in a couple of weeks. Good thing for the technology other wise we would have missed both grandchildren growing up. Of course, there is nothing like holding and seeing your grandchildren in person.
Gabriel, who was born in May, has grown quite a bit. Danielle said that at his last checkup appointment, Gabriel was within or exceeded all the recommended growth guidelines. Danielle said that she noticed quite a difference between Isabelle at that age as compared to Gabriel. This boy is going to require a lot more calories to make it through each day.
Speaking of grandchildren, our friend flew of to Atlanta yesterday to be with his granddaughter. This is the same guy who often commented on the teachers getting the summers off. Well, he is at a point in his career that he has enough vacation time to take a good portion of his summers off too.
When we were early in our teaching careers, most of us had to find a summer job, or we were taking courses to get a masters degree and beyond. On paper it looked like we had the summers off, but not in reality.
Well, I have to do a couple of quiet chores, and finish packing.
Our plan right now is to leave for the Cape no later than 9 AM.
Linda said that she is going to try and get up earlier than she normally does.
You know me, if I had my way, I would be on the road right now.
All, I need right now is a “Chill Pill”, and I will be alright!
Have a great weekend.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Thursday was another day of extreme humidity, and I didn’t enjoy it at all.
Our contractor did stop by with floor samples of hardwood, laminate, and linoleum for Linda to look at and eventually choose. The contractor directed her to Carr Hardware for Benjamin More paint samples because when the wall paper is removed, we have decided to paint the walls instead of putting back wallpaper.
The contractor has a guy coming in on Monday morning to start the renovation of the bathroom / laundry room.
It was so hot yesterday at supper time that we decided to dine out. We and a good portion of the Pittsfield residents made a decision to get out of our homes, and dine in an air conditioned setting. We went to the “99 Restaurant”. The meals that we selected were great. Linda had the Chicken Marsala, and I had the Steak Tips & Chicken tenders. We shared a “smashed” key lime pie to end the meal.
In a few short hours, we will be heading out the door for Cape Cod. We are hoping to be able to check in early, and then drive a couple miles to a friend’s home for a little socializing around 3 PM. After a couple hours of fun and merriment, we then head off to the parents of the bride’s home which is a couple miles from our hotel. This “Welcome Party”, as they called it, goes from 5 PM until 8 PM. I am betting that the 8 PM ending time might be extended a little.
After our dinner at the restaurant, I decided to read a book in bed, and watch the ESPN sports program where LeBron James announced where he was going to play next season in the NBA. I made to the scheduled 9 PM program before I fell asleep. I missed the whole hour long program. I did wake up at one point to hear that he is going to play in Miami. For several days, the talking heads in the Sports’ world talked and talked about the Lebron situation. I am so glad that it is over. Now what new topic will they be discussing?
I still can’t believe how the sports world spent so much time on a high school educated athlete who makes millions playing a game. Is he a role model for our youth?
In 36 years of teaching, I never had one of some very athletically inclined students make it to the NBA. I am not saying to these athletically inclined students that they should give up their dream of making it in the NBA, but the odds are sure stacked up against them.
Water – We have a ban on watering the lawns in Pittsfield. I don’t have to worry about killing the lawns until the next rainfall because they are pretty much burned up already. You can use a hand held device, but if you get caught using a sprinkler; you can be fined 50 dollars.
How bad is the water problem? My golf course is located at the highest point in the City of Pittsfield. The country club had no running water the other day. They had to shut down the kitchen and bathrooms at the golf course club house. There is a small pond on the course which can be used to water greens and fairways, but that water won’t last long in this heat.
The local weather guys are said that Sunday is the day when we will get some relief from the heat. I hope that the couple of thunderstorms, which are predicted before the drop in temperatures and humidity occurs, alleviate some of the water shortage.
Linda and I chatted with Danielle yesterday. She said Michael has now reached the rank of Lt. Colonel. We will be visiting their family in a couple of weeks. Good thing for the technology other wise we would have missed both grandchildren growing up. Of course, there is nothing like holding and seeing your grandchildren in person.
Gabriel, who was born in May, has grown quite a bit. Danielle said that at his last checkup appointment, Gabriel was within or exceeded all the recommended growth guidelines. Danielle said that she noticed quite a difference between Isabelle at that age as compared to Gabriel. This boy is going to require a lot more calories to make it through each day.
Speaking of grandchildren, our friend flew of to Atlanta yesterday to be with his granddaughter. This is the same guy who often commented on the teachers getting the summers off. Well, he is at a point in his career that he has enough vacation time to take a good portion of his summers off too.
When we were early in our teaching careers, most of us had to find a summer job, or we were taking courses to get a masters degree and beyond. On paper it looked like we had the summers off, but not in reality.
Well, I have to do a couple of quiet chores, and finish packing.
Our plan right now is to leave for the Cape no later than 9 AM.
Linda said that she is going to try and get up earlier than she normally does.
You know me, if I had my way, I would be on the road right now.
All, I need right now is a “Chill Pill”, and I will be alright!
Have a great weekend.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Hello on Thursday Morning
Dear Friends,
It was another scorcher on Wednesday, and I hoped that you all survived the heat. Oh, I wish I had central air conditioning.
The people down South can keep these hot, hazy, and humid days. I couldn’t take a life of running from an air conditioned house, to an air conditioned car, to an air conditioned place of work, to air conditioned stores and restaurants, and then back home to a central air conditioned home.
I like to wake up to cool mornings and to be able to read the newspaper on my deck, play golf in 70 degree weather with no humidity, sit on the deck on the 19th hole, and socialize with my golfing buddies. Could Al Gore be correct that this heat wave is a form of global warming?
Our Tuesday went as planned. The claims adjuster took pictures of the water damage, and took copious notes and measurements. He said that he will submit a report to our insurance company. Our contractor is bringing samples of floor replacement materials mid morning today so that Linda can make some selections so that the contractor can get the job started.
Linda had fun at her Mah Jongg session last evening.
My golf committee meeting went okay. The Chairperson saved me from making telephone calls to people who haven’t responded to playing in our UNICO Golf Tournament on August 11. There were enough other people to do the task including the Chairman of the event.
Social calendar – Linda has a noon time body maintenance procedure. I will be doing some golf committee stuff while she is doing her thing. We both have to do some packing for our weekend trip to Cape Cod for the wedding which we were invited to.
The festivities begin with a 5 PM to 8 PM party at the Cape Cod home of the bride. Before we head off to this party, the plan is to visit one of my e-mail recipients who own a home in Falmouth area which is where the wedding will be taking place. I can’t wait for the partying to begin.
Observation 1 – On these hazy, hot, and humid days, it doesn’t even make sense to fire up the grill. When it is 90 degrees outside, how could anyone find joy cooking over a hot grill? It is even too hot to do a crock pot dinner.
I did use the electronic pressure cooker the other day to cook corn on the cob. Even though the corn wasn’t locally grown, the pressure cooker saved what little sweetness was in the corn. When you have to truck in corn from across the country or from down south, the flavor is lost during the journey to the Northeast.
We went by a corn field the other day on the way to one of our multiple picnics, and the corn stalks were only about three feet high. Maybe this warm weather will make them grow a little more. We have a ways to go before we eat locally grown corn in the Berkshires.
Our friend in West Stockbridge used to grow the best corn on the cob. The deer, raccoons, and rabbits caused him to give up growing corn even though he fences in his garden.
Observation 2 – I just got back from Retro Fitness. I was doing my own thing, which I like to do, when a guy that I know came up to me and starting chatting. We were talking about a couple of local guys involved in some situations which made the local newspapers. He wanted me to give him some first hand knowledge of how these two well known individuals got themselves in trouble. I tried to dance around what I did know, and what I could say so this guy goes into his life’s story. I didn’t want to know that he had a drug problem when he was growing up. I didn’t want to know that his two grown children are hooked on drugs; one on crack cocaine, and the other on heroin. I didn’t want to know that the state wants to take away his daughter’s two young children because she is an addict. Why am I a magnet for people like this? I must come across as psychologist or a psychiatrist, or maybe a Parish Priest.
Observation – 3 The Sox lost a third game in a row on Wednesday evening.
Tonight is the 9 PM announcement on ESPN of what team LeBron James will be playing for next season in the NBA. It is difficult to believe that the sports world will be watching and listening to a high school educated athlete, who makes millions of dollars right now playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers, talking about what team he decided to play for next season. Whatever the new team is, they will be paying him more than the millions which he has been making each year in Cleveland.
While the rest of the nation is hurting financially, sports teams seem to always be able to find money to pay for these overpriced athletes. This is all happening while the rest of us go from pay check to paycheck while trying to make ends meet.
In tough economic times, communities want to layoff teachers, firemen, policemen, nurses, etc. while athletes are paid exorbitant sums of money. Maybe if we stopped buying tickets to the games, which these high priced athletes play in, then some restructuring of pay might take place. They want the average person to “bite the bullet” during tough economic times, is it time for the athletes to be doing so too?
Observation 3 – I have given up watering the lawn. I am going to take the advice from a friend, and let the 90 + degree weather burn up the grass until the next rain falls. This saves me from doing the task of cutting the lawn.
I will continue to water the flowers. We invested too much money and effort into growing them and taking care of them. We can’t afford to replace them, if I let them die.
Observation 4 – How about the guy who fell 30 feet from an upper section in the Texas Ranger Ballpark reaching for a foul ball. Luckily no one got injured seriously.
I will be the next time, the guy will purchase a baseball instead of trying to catch an out of play ball.
Well, I have to get to some quiet chores.
We have one more day to suffer through before relief is in sight. I can’t wait!
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
It was another scorcher on Wednesday, and I hoped that you all survived the heat. Oh, I wish I had central air conditioning.
The people down South can keep these hot, hazy, and humid days. I couldn’t take a life of running from an air conditioned house, to an air conditioned car, to an air conditioned place of work, to air conditioned stores and restaurants, and then back home to a central air conditioned home.
I like to wake up to cool mornings and to be able to read the newspaper on my deck, play golf in 70 degree weather with no humidity, sit on the deck on the 19th hole, and socialize with my golfing buddies. Could Al Gore be correct that this heat wave is a form of global warming?
Our Tuesday went as planned. The claims adjuster took pictures of the water damage, and took copious notes and measurements. He said that he will submit a report to our insurance company. Our contractor is bringing samples of floor replacement materials mid morning today so that Linda can make some selections so that the contractor can get the job started.
Linda had fun at her Mah Jongg session last evening.
My golf committee meeting went okay. The Chairperson saved me from making telephone calls to people who haven’t responded to playing in our UNICO Golf Tournament on August 11. There were enough other people to do the task including the Chairman of the event.
Social calendar – Linda has a noon time body maintenance procedure. I will be doing some golf committee stuff while she is doing her thing. We both have to do some packing for our weekend trip to Cape Cod for the wedding which we were invited to.
The festivities begin with a 5 PM to 8 PM party at the Cape Cod home of the bride. Before we head off to this party, the plan is to visit one of my e-mail recipients who own a home in Falmouth area which is where the wedding will be taking place. I can’t wait for the partying to begin.
Observation 1 – On these hazy, hot, and humid days, it doesn’t even make sense to fire up the grill. When it is 90 degrees outside, how could anyone find joy cooking over a hot grill? It is even too hot to do a crock pot dinner.
I did use the electronic pressure cooker the other day to cook corn on the cob. Even though the corn wasn’t locally grown, the pressure cooker saved what little sweetness was in the corn. When you have to truck in corn from across the country or from down south, the flavor is lost during the journey to the Northeast.
We went by a corn field the other day on the way to one of our multiple picnics, and the corn stalks were only about three feet high. Maybe this warm weather will make them grow a little more. We have a ways to go before we eat locally grown corn in the Berkshires.
Our friend in West Stockbridge used to grow the best corn on the cob. The deer, raccoons, and rabbits caused him to give up growing corn even though he fences in his garden.
Observation 2 – I just got back from Retro Fitness. I was doing my own thing, which I like to do, when a guy that I know came up to me and starting chatting. We were talking about a couple of local guys involved in some situations which made the local newspapers. He wanted me to give him some first hand knowledge of how these two well known individuals got themselves in trouble. I tried to dance around what I did know, and what I could say so this guy goes into his life’s story. I didn’t want to know that he had a drug problem when he was growing up. I didn’t want to know that his two grown children are hooked on drugs; one on crack cocaine, and the other on heroin. I didn’t want to know that the state wants to take away his daughter’s two young children because she is an addict. Why am I a magnet for people like this? I must come across as psychologist or a psychiatrist, or maybe a Parish Priest.
Observation – 3 The Sox lost a third game in a row on Wednesday evening.
Tonight is the 9 PM announcement on ESPN of what team LeBron James will be playing for next season in the NBA. It is difficult to believe that the sports world will be watching and listening to a high school educated athlete, who makes millions of dollars right now playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers, talking about what team he decided to play for next season. Whatever the new team is, they will be paying him more than the millions which he has been making each year in Cleveland.
While the rest of the nation is hurting financially, sports teams seem to always be able to find money to pay for these overpriced athletes. This is all happening while the rest of us go from pay check to paycheck while trying to make ends meet.
In tough economic times, communities want to layoff teachers, firemen, policemen, nurses, etc. while athletes are paid exorbitant sums of money. Maybe if we stopped buying tickets to the games, which these high priced athletes play in, then some restructuring of pay might take place. They want the average person to “bite the bullet” during tough economic times, is it time for the athletes to be doing so too?
Observation 3 – I have given up watering the lawn. I am going to take the advice from a friend, and let the 90 + degree weather burn up the grass until the next rain falls. This saves me from doing the task of cutting the lawn.
I will continue to water the flowers. We invested too much money and effort into growing them and taking care of them. We can’t afford to replace them, if I let them die.
Observation 4 – How about the guy who fell 30 feet from an upper section in the Texas Ranger Ballpark reaching for a foul ball. Luckily no one got injured seriously.
I will be the next time, the guy will purchase a baseball instead of trying to catch an out of play ball.
Well, I have to get to some quiet chores.
We have one more day to suffer through before relief is in sight. I can’t wait!
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Hello on Wednesday morning
Dear Friends,
Tuesday was hot enough for me. One of our female friends said that she loved the heat. This is the same female friend who is always cold when the rest of us are enjoying temperatures in the low 70’s with no humidity.
There was no place to hide from the heat on Tueswday. I went to Walmart to pick up a few items. I probably should have walked around the store for several hours and enjoyed the air conditioned shopping. Actually it sounds nice, but I am like a kid in a candy store because I would fill up the cart with non essential items in no time at all.
I got so desperate yesterday that I ironed shirts for our weekend trip, and watched World Cup soccer in one of our air conditioned bedrooms.
Our son in North Tewksbury spent his day off dealing with a central air conditioning problem as well as chasing around his 11 month old son who has mastered crawling. The central air conditioning on the first floor wasn’t working at his home. He had a technician, and eventually the guy’s boss there to solve the problem. This was after they were there for almost 8 hours. When Kevin called us to relay his story, we ended the conversation by saying to Kevin; “Welcome to the world of home ownership!”
Speaking of our son, Linda asked him how the camping experience went. He said it went okay, but they forgot a few essential items. They cooked over an open pit fire. Kyla purchased an inexpensive set of pans. They forgot to take a pack and play for their child. They did have a friend who had a home in Freeport, and they did party a couple times at their home.
When we went camping, I used to make a list of things which we needed to take. I would start off with a car top carrier to hold the sand chairs, kid toys, etc.
Every campground had a fire place, but we would use it to sit by at night to keep the bugs away, or to cook marshmallows. We hada portable stove / grill of some sort as well as separate device to make coffee in the morning. We had separate clear plastic containers for knives, forks, 4 plastic plates, 4 salad bowls, sets of utensils, wine opener, coffee mugs. Another container, would contain things like cooking oil, salt, pepper, spices, coffee, sugar packets for coffee. Coolers would contain milk, beverages, etc. You have to have lantern, hatchet, rope for hanging clothes. When Kevin was a kid, I guess he forgot that Mom and Dad took care of all the details.
After supper, I tried to watch the Red Sox in the screened in room on our deck. I gave up after 30 minutes, and went back to the air conditioned bedroom. The Sox lost another close one. Another one of the starters hurt himself yesterday. I hope that he doesn’t need crutches too. When they Red Sox channel shows pictures of their dugout, it looks like a hospital ward since so many of their starters are on crutches.
When Linda decided to head off to Mah Jongg on Tuesday morning her car was dead. I think that when I got her car inspected the other day, the head lights were left on, and I didn’t pay attention because the lights in my Subaru go off when I shut the car off. The car sat in the driveway while we were partying all weekend with the lights on, and drained every bit of life out of the battery. A jump start from AAA got it going, and they guy said to drive around for 20 minutes to recharge the battery. Of course this kept me in the heat for a couple of hours. I actually took the car to our auto mechanics guy and explained that the whole situation. He was the one that noticed my lights were on. How dumb can a person like me be?
Our house is still a mess. An adjuster is coming today at 10 AM to see if we can get the insurance company, and the contractor to agree to more reasonable numbers to get the house back to normal. The contractor said that this could be a month long job. I would ask Linda’s godson (who is a contractor) to the job, but he can’t be away from his newborn for a whole month since they live in New Hampshire in a town called Windham. If it was a week long job, I would have him and his crew use some of the spare bedrooms, and stay until the job is done.
I just got back from Retro Fitness. The number of people working out at 4:30 AM was less than normal. I must admit that I have been a little lax about working out. Today it was like working out for the first time in a long while. I have decided to get back into the routine once again.
Social Calendar – Linda has a Mah Jongg session tonight at a friend’s home. We won’t be hosting any Mah Jongg sessions for a long time.
I have a golf committee meeting at 6 PM tonight. I am feeling a little uncomfortable about this meeting because we are all bringing cell phones, and calling people who have sponsored our golf tournament in the past as well as people who normally play in the golf tournament. Even though I am never at a loss for words, I really don’t like calling people and begging for their financial assistance. I don’t even like selling raffle tickets. If you asked me to help out in the kitchen for a particular fundraiser, I wouldn’t hesitate to do so.
Well, I have to get to my first task of the day which is to give the plants a drink. Is that a quiet activity?
Have a great day. Drink plenty of liquids. We are in for another day or two of temps in the 90’s.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Tuesday was hot enough for me. One of our female friends said that she loved the heat. This is the same female friend who is always cold when the rest of us are enjoying temperatures in the low 70’s with no humidity.
There was no place to hide from the heat on Tueswday. I went to Walmart to pick up a few items. I probably should have walked around the store for several hours and enjoyed the air conditioned shopping. Actually it sounds nice, but I am like a kid in a candy store because I would fill up the cart with non essential items in no time at all.
I got so desperate yesterday that I ironed shirts for our weekend trip, and watched World Cup soccer in one of our air conditioned bedrooms.
Our son in North Tewksbury spent his day off dealing with a central air conditioning problem as well as chasing around his 11 month old son who has mastered crawling. The central air conditioning on the first floor wasn’t working at his home. He had a technician, and eventually the guy’s boss there to solve the problem. This was after they were there for almost 8 hours. When Kevin called us to relay his story, we ended the conversation by saying to Kevin; “Welcome to the world of home ownership!”
Speaking of our son, Linda asked him how the camping experience went. He said it went okay, but they forgot a few essential items. They cooked over an open pit fire. Kyla purchased an inexpensive set of pans. They forgot to take a pack and play for their child. They did have a friend who had a home in Freeport, and they did party a couple times at their home.
When we went camping, I used to make a list of things which we needed to take. I would start off with a car top carrier to hold the sand chairs, kid toys, etc.
Every campground had a fire place, but we would use it to sit by at night to keep the bugs away, or to cook marshmallows. We hada portable stove / grill of some sort as well as separate device to make coffee in the morning. We had separate clear plastic containers for knives, forks, 4 plastic plates, 4 salad bowls, sets of utensils, wine opener, coffee mugs. Another container, would contain things like cooking oil, salt, pepper, spices, coffee, sugar packets for coffee. Coolers would contain milk, beverages, etc. You have to have lantern, hatchet, rope for hanging clothes. When Kevin was a kid, I guess he forgot that Mom and Dad took care of all the details.
After supper, I tried to watch the Red Sox in the screened in room on our deck. I gave up after 30 minutes, and went back to the air conditioned bedroom. The Sox lost another close one. Another one of the starters hurt himself yesterday. I hope that he doesn’t need crutches too. When they Red Sox channel shows pictures of their dugout, it looks like a hospital ward since so many of their starters are on crutches.
When Linda decided to head off to Mah Jongg on Tuesday morning her car was dead. I think that when I got her car inspected the other day, the head lights were left on, and I didn’t pay attention because the lights in my Subaru go off when I shut the car off. The car sat in the driveway while we were partying all weekend with the lights on, and drained every bit of life out of the battery. A jump start from AAA got it going, and they guy said to drive around for 20 minutes to recharge the battery. Of course this kept me in the heat for a couple of hours. I actually took the car to our auto mechanics guy and explained that the whole situation. He was the one that noticed my lights were on. How dumb can a person like me be?
Our house is still a mess. An adjuster is coming today at 10 AM to see if we can get the insurance company, and the contractor to agree to more reasonable numbers to get the house back to normal. The contractor said that this could be a month long job. I would ask Linda’s godson (who is a contractor) to the job, but he can’t be away from his newborn for a whole month since they live in New Hampshire in a town called Windham. If it was a week long job, I would have him and his crew use some of the spare bedrooms, and stay until the job is done.
I just got back from Retro Fitness. The number of people working out at 4:30 AM was less than normal. I must admit that I have been a little lax about working out. Today it was like working out for the first time in a long while. I have decided to get back into the routine once again.
Social Calendar – Linda has a Mah Jongg session tonight at a friend’s home. We won’t be hosting any Mah Jongg sessions for a long time.
I have a golf committee meeting at 6 PM tonight. I am feeling a little uncomfortable about this meeting because we are all bringing cell phones, and calling people who have sponsored our golf tournament in the past as well as people who normally play in the golf tournament. Even though I am never at a loss for words, I really don’t like calling people and begging for their financial assistance. I don’t even like selling raffle tickets. If you asked me to help out in the kitchen for a particular fundraiser, I wouldn’t hesitate to do so.
Well, I have to get to my first task of the day which is to give the plants a drink. Is that a quiet activity?
Have a great day. Drink plenty of liquids. We are in for another day or two of temps in the 90’s.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Hello on Tuesday
Dear Friends,
July 6 was the final day of food, fun, merriment, parade marching, and music. It will be so nice to get back to the routine of being retired.
Everything went exactly as planned. Even though the heat was oppressive at times, the Fourth of July Parade in downtown Pittsfield went as planned.
Our Governor, Deval Patrick, stopped by to say "Hello" to us Unicans just before he started marching in the parade. He got up on one of our fire trucks. I took a picture on my cell phone, but I had my thumb over the camera lens! A campaign worker gave me her business card, and said to send the picture over the internet. Yeah Right!
The James Taylor / Carol King concert in the evening was spectacular for us fans of the two artists. James Taylor even had YoYo Ma (a classical cellist) play a few songs along with the duo. The encore was was great too. There had to be close to 20,000 people at the concert. We didn't rush to exit the concert knowing that the traffic would be a problem which it was.
Well, it is back the daily retired person grind. Linda will be off to her usual Tuesday Mah Jongg session at a friend's home. I will be doing stuff both inside and outside of the house. Our flowers are begging for a drink of water. I also have to iron a couple of shirts for the wedding which we are going to on Cape Cod this weekend. It will be another weekend of partying starting on Friday night. I can't wait!
Observation -- Large concerts at Tanglewood are not without their problems. When you have 15,000 + people on the lawn and 5,000 in the shed for a concert, it is such a difficult chore to get to the restrooms. They should create designated pathways on the lawn so that you don't have to step on people's blankets, slither by their lawn chairs, interrupt their peace and quiet, etc.
The restroom situation is another problem. The size and number of restrooms are okay for a classical concert where maybe a maximum of 10,000 people might attend, but when you have double that amount, long lines start to form. Why couldn't Tanglewood bring in a set of portable toilets for the extra number of concert goers? Oh, I can hear their response to my suggestion; "It would alter the ambiance of Tanglewood!" Forget the ambiance of Tanglewood; half of the people at a James Taylor concert wouldn't even think of coming to a classical music concert.
I can't wait for a whole bunch of pictures from our youngest son's family who went on a camping adventure during the Fourth of July weekend. I hope that our grandchild Max didn't come home full of insect bites. Linda and I will have to visit them to get all the details of their trip.
In Kansas, our other son and his family had to resort to seeing fireworks on television in their own home. Weather problems forced them to make a change of plans.
Our friends, the Culver's who organized who was bringing what type of food for last night's concert, are heading to Maine today. Judie has a sister who owns a small cabin in the Maine woods. I say small because the Culver's, and one of their daughter's will be sleeping in a tents on the Maine property for the next couple of days. I can't wait to hear the details of this adventure when it is over. A couple of year's ago Judie came home with a pulled hamstring from a boating adventure. She was being pulled in a inflatable device by her sister's motor boat. I think John hurt himself the following year. Baby boomers trying to act like 30 year olds does have its drawbacks.
Supper tonight will be simple for us. We have some leftover beans, and potato salad from the July Fourth picnic. Some burgers and dogs will be cooked on the grill by me.
Sports -- I did try to listen to the Red Sox during the concert at times. The Sox broke my heart once again. Dice K squandered a a 5 to 1 lead, and they eventually lost the game by a 6 to 5 margin. It might be time to send Dice K back to Japan.
Well, I have to read the local newspaper, and get to some household chores.
Have a great week at work or play.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
July 6 was the final day of food, fun, merriment, parade marching, and music. It will be so nice to get back to the routine of being retired.
Everything went exactly as planned. Even though the heat was oppressive at times, the Fourth of July Parade in downtown Pittsfield went as planned.
Our Governor, Deval Patrick, stopped by to say "Hello" to us Unicans just before he started marching in the parade. He got up on one of our fire trucks. I took a picture on my cell phone, but I had my thumb over the camera lens! A campaign worker gave me her business card, and said to send the picture over the internet. Yeah Right!
The James Taylor / Carol King concert in the evening was spectacular for us fans of the two artists. James Taylor even had YoYo Ma (a classical cellist) play a few songs along with the duo. The encore was was great too. There had to be close to 20,000 people at the concert. We didn't rush to exit the concert knowing that the traffic would be a problem which it was.
Well, it is back the daily retired person grind. Linda will be off to her usual Tuesday Mah Jongg session at a friend's home. I will be doing stuff both inside and outside of the house. Our flowers are begging for a drink of water. I also have to iron a couple of shirts for the wedding which we are going to on Cape Cod this weekend. It will be another weekend of partying starting on Friday night. I can't wait!
Observation -- Large concerts at Tanglewood are not without their problems. When you have 15,000 + people on the lawn and 5,000 in the shed for a concert, it is such a difficult chore to get to the restrooms. They should create designated pathways on the lawn so that you don't have to step on people's blankets, slither by their lawn chairs, interrupt their peace and quiet, etc.
The restroom situation is another problem. The size and number of restrooms are okay for a classical concert where maybe a maximum of 10,000 people might attend, but when you have double that amount, long lines start to form. Why couldn't Tanglewood bring in a set of portable toilets for the extra number of concert goers? Oh, I can hear their response to my suggestion; "It would alter the ambiance of Tanglewood!" Forget the ambiance of Tanglewood; half of the people at a James Taylor concert wouldn't even think of coming to a classical music concert.
I can't wait for a whole bunch of pictures from our youngest son's family who went on a camping adventure during the Fourth of July weekend. I hope that our grandchild Max didn't come home full of insect bites. Linda and I will have to visit them to get all the details of their trip.
In Kansas, our other son and his family had to resort to seeing fireworks on television in their own home. Weather problems forced them to make a change of plans.
Our friends, the Culver's who organized who was bringing what type of food for last night's concert, are heading to Maine today. Judie has a sister who owns a small cabin in the Maine woods. I say small because the Culver's, and one of their daughter's will be sleeping in a tents on the Maine property for the next couple of days. I can't wait to hear the details of this adventure when it is over. A couple of year's ago Judie came home with a pulled hamstring from a boating adventure. She was being pulled in a inflatable device by her sister's motor boat. I think John hurt himself the following year. Baby boomers trying to act like 30 year olds does have its drawbacks.
Supper tonight will be simple for us. We have some leftover beans, and potato salad from the July Fourth picnic. Some burgers and dogs will be cooked on the grill by me.
Sports -- I did try to listen to the Red Sox during the concert at times. The Sox broke my heart once again. Dice K squandered a a 5 to 1 lead, and they eventually lost the game by a 6 to 5 margin. It might be time to send Dice K back to Japan.
Well, I have to read the local newspaper, and get to some household chores.
Have a great week at work or play.
Talk to you soon. The Curley Lad
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