The Day the Falls Stood Still

Our Book Discussion for November.  I highly recommend this book.

1915. Niagara Falls. The dawn of the hydroelectric power era. Seventeen-year-old Bess Heath, who has led a sheltered existence as the younger daughter of the director of the Niagara Power Company, meets Tom Cole by chance on a trolley platform, and finds herself inexplicably drawn to him. He is not from her world. Rough-hewn and fearless, he lives off what the river provides and has an uncanny knack for reading the whims of the falls. His daring river rescues render him a local hero and cast him as a threat to the power companies that seek to harness the power of the falls for themselves. As the paths of Bess and Tom become entwined, Buchanan spins a capriciously imagined tale of love, loss, class and early environmentalism.

Updates Coming

I had to share this, and promise I'll write updates soon.

This is just a clue!!!!

From the "You Need a Course in Time Management" File

"You have to cut back.", was the stern warning from a friend. 
I knew she was right, but it is difficult to say no when there is so much that has to be done.
Almost two years ago, I did send a formal letter to our association stating that I was resigning as the Entertainment chair.
The letter was ignored and my phone and email were still clogged with 'entertainment' stuff.  So, on Monday, at our association meeting, at ten minutes to eight, I again resigned.  This time, for real.
So what's left?
Residents' Council:
The Snack Shop - starting our 3rd. year.
The Diner (at least until the end of the year)
The Octoberfest dinner
Book Club
Arts & Crafts group
The Newsletter - starting the 3rd. year.

Democratic Committee
Member of the county and city committees

Public Awareness
Poll Inspector/Room Supervisor
Senior Spice (just added this Monday)
Public Relations, NYSHPA

Fun Stuff
Class of 60 Lunches and picnic
House Party
Online games
FaceBook

Yes, I should cut back, but not sure where.  I guess I just have to figure out how to best manage my time better - and include sleep in the schedule.

AARP Create the Good House Party A Success

The AARP House Party was a success.  Over 20 people attended the two hour party and donated approximately 200 lbs. of non perishable food items to the Salvation Army Food Pantry. 

I used the gift bags as door prizes.  Many thanks to my friend, Lin, who took the pictures and documented the morning; to Pat who was my decorator and co-host; and to Jim who lifted the boxes into Lin's truck and followed us to the Salvation Army to unload them. 

It was a wonderful way to be part of AARP's Create the Good.

AARP House Party

My friend, Pat, and I are planning a house party.  Not just an ordinary house party, but one sponsored by AARP to commemorate 9/11.
The gift box arrived on Tuesday, but I really didn't have chance to take everything out and look it over until today.

Pat and I looking at the door prizes.

We are planning a coffee and goodies hour (actually two hours), a Chinese Auction for the door prizes, and an opportunity to showcase how our guests can help "create the good".

Anyone over 50 is invited to bring a non perishable food item.  In return they will get a ticket for each item they bring.  They can use the tickets for the chinese auction.

All food items will be donated to the Salvation Army's Food Pantry.

We are planning to show several volunteer options that our guests might want to consider.  Gift items for All Babies Cherished and for the residents of our county nursing home.

Pat's mission is to have enough handcrafted Christmas gifts for each resident of one floor at the nursing home.

What originally was a food drive has turned into a three month project to have gifts for babies and our seniors. 

Anyone in our area, who is over 50, is welcome to come to the Towers on Monday, Sept. 12 from 9am - 11am  to join in the fun.  The more the merrier.

Mae Tiede

Saturday morning was hot, humid and hazy.  A group of us were sitting at the picnic table when Mercy Flight pulled up.  They were here for a 98 year old resident who was found lying on the floor in her apartment.  My friend, Pat King, was one of the neighbors who went to assist. 
Mae might have suffered a stroke sometime on Friday.  When she was found, she was unresponsive.  Pat lay on the floor next to her, holding her hand, and comforting her while waiting for the EMT team to arrive. 
A visit to the hospital on Sunday was not reassuring.  Mae was still unconscious. 
We learned, this morning, that Mae passed away.
This is the eulogy that will appear in our newsletter on Thursday.

Mae Tiede

May angels lead you into paradise;

upon your arrival, may the martyrs receive you and lead you to the holy city of Jerusalem.

May the ranks of angels receive you, and with Lazarus, the poor man, may you have eternal rest.

“How's Bea today?”.

I didn't have to look up to see who was stopping at The Snack Shop. Her voice was easily recognized. Without even asking, I would prop a Mt. Dew on the counter, then wait for her to decide what treat she craved. Lately, she liked those “twisty things”, cheese curls. The day wouldn't be complete without her visit.

Mae was one of the first residents I met when I moved to the Towers. I met her at Bingo, Po-Ke-No, and playing cards late into the evening in the community room. She loved playing a variety of card games. I was her euchre partner for over a year. It was fun watching her, with one good eye, catch our opponents misplay a card. She would give the guilty party a look that would make a clock stand still.

Mae lived for the moment. Rarely did she talk about her life before the Towers. I know she grew up near Bergen and she worked at the Home Dairy many years ago. That tidbit intrigued me. I remember stopping at the Home Dairy for their delicious black and white cookies. I often wondered if Mae worked behind the counter back then. She told us, several times when her opponents would make a scoring mistake, that she got 100% in arithmetic when she was in school. She knew how to add. She made beautiful plastic canvas crafts...I will cherish the plastic canvas tea cup and saucer she gave me.

A group of us had a luncheon for Mae's 95^th birthday. We took her to the casino after lunch. I believe she had a good time, but we had to watch the time. Mae would be going out for a birthday supper with her brother-in-law and she didn't want to have him waiting for her to return. So, we got her back in time to go out. In the meantime, we scurried to get the cake and other goodies ready to celebrate her birthday at bingo that evening. I recall that the rest of us took time out for naps to get us through the rest of the day.

Not Mae.

She returned from supper, went right into the community room to get ready for bingo. We celebrated her birthday with the bingo players by serving the cake. After bingo, Mae was up to playing cards. She wasn't about to let her day end.

We could all take a lesson from Mae. She seemed to ignore any gossip discussed at the table. I can honestly say I don't recall her ever contributing to those discussions.

Mae, we knew, was failing. She seemed disoriented at times. It was something that concerned all of us who came in contact with her on a daily basis. We know that Mae is in a better place where card games can be eternal. No doubt she has already found her place at a table. She'll be playing with two good eyes, now, so those around the table better beware...two good eyes and 100% in arithmetic put the odds in her favor.

Rest in peace, Mae. You will be missed.

Have Baked Reuben Will Travel

Our tournament hosts in Forestville take great pains to make sure the entire day is a positive experience for the participants and guests. Diane, is the queen of the kitchen and Lyle spends hours on manicuring the lawn and courts. 
Their home is located in beautiful rural southern tier of New York. 
Generally, I make the cajun baked beans for the events.  This time, I decided to bring baked reuben. 
That would be a non issue.  The recipe is simple, it is easy to transport, and a hit whenever I serve it.
It became an issue when we were invited back to central New York for the coming weekend. 
For some reason, I couldn't process that the Forestville tournament was the same weekend.  When I finally figured it out, we had already committed to the other event.
On Friday, we'll head EAST approximately 250 miles for the Saturday event.  Then, late Saturday evening, we'll head WEST for home; pick up the dish and head SOUTH for the hour and a half drive to the Sunday event.  We'll return home late Sunday night/early Monday morning, just in time to get ready to serve breakfast to the residents.
The logistics can be mind boggling.  Today, for example, Shop and Stock will head to the store to pick up what I'll need for this Thursday's lunch and next Monday's breakfast.  In the meantime, I'll be in the shop covering shifts for two of my volunteers who are in hospital.  Wednesday, is our pizza day in the shop.  That is always a lost day because we are so busy.  On Thursday, I'll make the dish to go while serving lunch and do laundry. 
Since I haven't fully unpacked from last weekend, it should be easy to get things put together and ready to head out on Friday. 
I have two easy recipes to share.  The baked reuben sounds labor intensive, but it doesn't take long to put it all together.
Baked Reuben:

Baked Reuben Sandwich 12 servings
4 cups Original Bisquick® mix
2 cup milk
2 egg
4 teaspoons caraway seed
1 lb sliced deli corned beef
1/2 cup deli-style mustard
1 1/4 cup shredded Swiss cheese (6 oz)
2 can (14 oz) sauerkraut, well drained
1 cup Thousand Island dressing
1.Heat oven to 400°F. Spray 8-inch square (2-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray.
2.In medium bowl, stir Bisquick mix, milk, egg and 2 teaspoon of the caraway seed with fork until blended. Spread 1 cup batter in baking dish.
3.Brush corned beef slices with mustard; layer on top of batter in baking dish. Top evenly with cheese and sauerkraut. Carefully spread remaining batter over sauerkraut. Sprinkle with remaining 2 teaspoon caraway seed.
4.Bake uncovered 28 to 32 minutes or until light golden brown and center is set. Let stand 5 minutes before cutting. Serve with Thousand Island dressing.
Makes 12 servings

Thursday's Special

Ham & Cheese Sandwich
1/4 cup butter, softened
 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish mustard
 2 tablespoons chopped onions
 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
 1 teaspoon dill seed
 8 slices Swiss cheese
 8 slices cooked ham
 8 hamburger buns
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 250 degrees F (120 degrees C).
2. Combine butter, mustard, onions, poppy seeds and dill seed. Spread insides of buns with this mixture. Place a slice of cheese and a slice of ham inside each bun.
3. Wrap buns in foil and place in preheated oven. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until cheese has melted.

Genesee Cash Mob

This is a great idea.  I hope it goes over well.   I wonder if one can nominate a not for profit shop?  If so, I'll certainly nominate The Snack Shop.  :)
Genesee Cash Mob
 This inspired by the push at WNYMedia.net to support local businesses. The premise is simple: Once a week we will hold nominations to choose a local business to support with our dollars. No discounts or gimmicks, just a group of people spending 10-20 bucks at a local shop.

Too Close for Comfort

Nkorho Bush Lodge
I keep an eye on the live cam at the Nkorho Bush Lodge in Africa (www.africam.com/wildlife/nkorho_pan_webcam).  Normally, one can see the animals visiting the oasis from a distance.
As I write this, I'm looking at five adult giraffe, two or three baby giraffe and a handful of zebra.

A normal view from the oasis.

Tonight, an elephant decided to turn the tables and took a close look at the camera.







Perhaps he/she thought we'd be in focus if it got closer.

Why Moms Have Gray Hair

My son went to the Bahamas for a fishing trip.  From all reports, and pictures, it would appear that it was a fun, successful trip.
He sent along 18 pictures, many of them beautiful views of the local color.
One, in particular, of Eric diving for conch.

The pictures truly told the story of the trip.
Doesn't Eric look happy with that conch in his hand.  It became part of their dinner later in the day.

Then, the kicker.
In the same water where Eric went diving for the conch, he takes and sends this picture.

He tagged it as 'shark'!
My son is diving in the same water where sharks are circling. 
This is why Moms never know what is going on until after it is over.

Family Quirks

In the past few weeks I have lost three relatives.  The most recent, my cousin, Bev.  Bev started me on my ten year journey into our fraternal grandmother's family tree.  It is a fascinating and often frustrating exercise.  Bev, for whatever reason, went to the old cemetery in Elba.  She found the graves of our first ancestors to settle in Genesee County in 1811.She arrived on my doorstep one morning with her notes, left them with me and enjoyed watching me struggle with putting the pieces together for years.
I'd call her with updates when I would find an interesting tidbit. 
Bev lost her husband a year ago.  She has a wonderful family who will need our prayers as they gather the strength to deal with her sudden passing.
I'll miss her.
Another cousin, Pauline, also passed.  Pauline was 104.  She never married, lived in the same house her entire life, and loved cats.  Pauline's mother was my maternal grandfather's sister. 
Which brings us to my cousin, Minnie.  Minnie's father and my maternal great grandfather were brothers.  Their house was across from my cousin Pauline's.
....and therein lies the story of a family quirk (one of many).
My sister and I were on the phone early this morning.  I mentioned that Minnie had passed. 
She wasn't sure who that cousin was, so I automatically said, "you know, from across the street."
My sister chuckled.  My aunt had explained it the same way.
That brought back a memory of my mother saying the same thing about the family "across the street".
Now, my sister is much younger than I.  Saying 'across the street' had no real reference for her. 
"Across what street?".
My great grandfather and his brother purchased houses across from each other.  Since thier last names were the same, and their children's names were almost identical to my great grandparents' children, it was common to explain who you were talking about by their location.
In our case, and most likely in their's too, when talking about a Tony, James, Mary, Vincent, Minnie, etc., if you weren't talking about your own, you qualified it by saying, "you know, the one across the street.".
So, today, my sister got a little lesson in family folklore and another family quirk.

4th of July

We are having a picnic later today.   A pot luck picnic, where all the neighbors will bring their prize winning salads, baked beans, and desserts.  A true slice of Americana.   The Summer Diner and The Snack Shop are providing the hot dogs, condiments, paper goods and beverages. 
My contribution will be baked beans.  They are in the slow cooker as I write this.  I'm not sure if they would win any prizes at a county fair, but I did taste them and they are good.  My father always put a few hot peppers in his baked beans.  They gave the dish a little heat, not a lot, but a lot of flavor.  I did the same.
My uncle played in a marching band, so did my grandfather and three of my boys (my daughter was in color guard).  Last night, I found one one of my favorite marches, National Eblem.
As you listen to the march, imagine our Batavia Concert Band coming down Main St.  They always started this march just before they had to make the turn onto Harvester Avenue and the cemetery for the Memorial Day parade.  About a quarter of the way into it, they would start their turn.  We always watched the parade from that corner.  Soon, the entire band would complete the turn and start down Harvester.  The music still loud enough to hear, but somewhat muffled since they had their backs to us now.
They would end the National Eblem March just as they got to the memorial where the morning ceremonies would take place.
The National Eblem March, to me, is one of the most patriotic pieces of music I know.
Wishing you all a safe and happy 4th.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U40OIESDwlU&feature=player_detailpage

The Freezer Has Arrived & Case Dismissed

Just in time for the sweltering days of summer (when we aren't dripping from the constant rain), our freezer arrived.
http://bataviablogmistress.blogspot.com/2011/04/new-projects-at-400-towers.html
I don't believe it will fit in the space I hoped would be it's home.  There doesn't appear to be enough clearance on all sides to facilitate proper air flow, so it will have a home around the corner. 
That is a minor inconvenience considering that we now have a place to store ice cream. 
"Around the corner" means in the fitness room open to the residents, guests, and others who roam the halls in the dark of night, 24/7.  So, that means figuring a way to secure it when the shop is closed. 
I suggested a lock, but shop and stock felt that a lock might compromise the warranty. 
He wants a band around it with a sturdy lock - I envision that as some sort of freezer chastity belt. 
I'm sure within the next few days a solution will come forth.
In the meantime, we are employing a leap of faith that no one will take off with our stash of ice cream.

On a happy note,this somewhat chilly day, my friend Chris who was arrested for making a phone call for no legitimate purpose can finally breathe a sigh of relief.

Chris' case was dismissed today. It was a long time coming, but all who know him, knew that it was a bogus charge.

http://thebatavian.com/howard-owens/breaking-harassment-charge-against-chris-charvella-dismissed/26768


http://bataviablogmistress.blogspot.com/2011/06/from-making-phone-call-for-no.html

Is it Friday yet?

This was a hectic week, so hectic I'm not sure where the time went.  The days sped by like a runaway locomotive.
Monday's breakfast went without a hitch.  Gert's scrambled eggs are popular and bring people back week after week.  The tropical fruit breakfast bake was well received, but the surprise star was the impromptu compote made from the leftover fruit.  I just wanted to use it up, so I placed the fruit in the processor and pulsed it a few times.  The folks loved it on their toast.  Who knew?
The arts and crafts group met on Monday afternoon and I finally brought down the supplies I had locked away.  Several members are making up prototype teddy bears; one decided to make baby blocks; and a few others took on more projects.
With our Wii guy in Texas, I have the responsibility to get the Wii up and running in the evening.  I did that on Monday night and let them play until 11pm.  Sadly, this lady was way too tired to sit up while they played until the wee hours of the morning.  Wii and I went to bed at 11.
Worked in the shop on Tuesday and Wednesday.  On Wednesday night I made my spaghetti sauce and meatballs for Thursday's lunch. 
We had no idea who, if any, would show up for Thursday's lunch since at 5pm, Care-A-Van would be here to host their annual picnic for the residents.  One of my helpers suggested I cancel the lunch, but I hesitated doing that.  We are advertised as having a lunch and I felt we should keep to our promise.
As it turned out, we had almost 30 for lunch.  Care-A-Van served 60 at the picnic.  Between us, we fed the multitudes. 
Today!  I did paperwork all morning.  The newsletter is finished and put to bed.  The first two pages had to be edited due to late breaking news.  I completed the list of volunteers to make sure that all are recognized at the Residents picnic on July 17.  The poster for the 4th of July Pot Luck Picnic is done and up.  I worked the shop from Noon to 3.
My weekend plans were changed at the last minute which resulted in a mad dash to do laundry. 
Stafford's carnival is this weekend.  I'm going to miss it. 
For all the dads reading this, an early happy fathers' day. Hope you all get to do fun things this weekend.

Who Are You?

I often wonder who is checking on my site.  The report only tells me the country (and, in the US, the city or town). 
In many cases, I can figure it out by those who come in through Facebook.  These are people who are my FB friends. 
Sometimes, when it shows that the person came from another site, I won't know who it is, but I know we share common interests.
Quite often someone just stumbles on it while searching for something else.  I'm sure they don't plan to stop in Genesee Co.
A visitor from Darien Center, right here in Genesee Co. has me stumped.  Whomever it is doesn't come from FB; and they aren't just 'searching'.  They are looking for "bataviablogmistress", so they must know who I am.  I can count on one hand the number of people I know from that end of the county. 
So, it becomes a puzzle to be solved. 
What I know:
The person is either an early riser or works nights. 

The visits come at the ungodly hour between 4 and 5am. 
Could it be a dairy farmer having their early morning coffee before milking?  Do I know any dairy farmers in Darien Center?

Could it be someone who works nights and spends their lunch break on their laptop?  Do I know anyone from there who works nights?

Maybe, it is just someone who - like me - has a hard time sleeping through the night and uses that time to check out different sites.  That is a strong possibility. 

For example, I know someone who just bought a car.  There is a problem with the a/c, so this morning - very early this morning - on a hunch - I looked up adjusting a/c for that class vehicle.  The first site I found described the problem to a T, the a/c is pushing out frigid air on the passenger side, but not on the driver side.  The solutions ranged from an easy fix, reconnect a sensor under the hood, to the very expensive replace the a/c programmer.  Between the easy fix and the expensive replacement of the unit was a detailed explanation describing how a tech could remove the dash and repair the problem.  Knowing this would help someone when the vehicle is brought in for repair.  An informed consumer thing.

I hope it helps.

Anyway, whomever you are in Darien Center, please say 'hi, that early morning person is me' the next time we meet. 
My top countries with hits of twenty or more?
United States, Slovenia, Germany, Canada, United Kingdom, Vietnam, Russia, France, Denmark, Netherlands.
I had a person from the UK read about beef on weck.  She watched the Charlie the Butcher video and commented that she wasn't sure about the safety of the sandwich - or Charlie for that matter.  Why was he wearing a hard hat to make a sandwich?  Good question.

My friend, Jane, in Australia teases me about some of my menu items for The Summer Diner.  They are foreign to her, even with her American son in law helping to describe them.  The most recent was the "slider". 

Have a wonderful Sunday :)

Alexander's Fire Dept Band. Always a Treat

Alexander's Fire Dept Band gave the residents of 400 Towers a full blown concert that lasted over a hour after they marched in the St. Joseph's Parade. They are such a talented group. For those in the know, they did a great job with The Thunderer even though they didn't have a trombone in sight. They had a right handed baritone player and a left handed baritone player, which matched perfect, like bookends.

This young man could certainly have a part in any production of Music Man!

Five, count them, Five Sousaphones (but no trombones) 

The percussion, as usual, had fun.

I wish you could see this guy twirl those sticks

I'm a sucker for 'real' marching band music.  I enjoyed listening to Byron/Bergen and Pembroke's bands, but I still prefer a Sousa march in a parade.  I still hum the low brass part of any piece that is played.  I guess I always will.

There was a new band that led the parade, I have the guy's card.  They have an eight piece big dance band that I would love to get for our Christmas party.  I'll have to pin a note on the wall to remind me to call him.

 

From the "Making a Phone Call For No Legitimate Purpose" File

Making a Phone Call For No Legitimate Purpose File



Remember reading about my friend, Chris?

Chris had a rather odd event at election time last year.

He found a political sign on his property for a candidate he did not endorse nor support.

Chris was upset that someone would place that sign and wrote a blog about it.  In his blog, he gave the person he suspected of placing the sign a humerous name. 

Within the next day or two, he found a new sign on his lawn that was autographed with that humerous name.

That person happens to be a Genesee Co. Legislator.  His contact information is easily found on the Genesee Co. website.  Chris called him and thanked him for reading his blog.

On election day, Chris was handcuffed and arrested for making a phone call with no legitimate purpose.

This comes from the file cabinet:

http://bataviablogmistress.blogspot.com/2011/02/making-phone-call-for-no-legitimate.html

Today, almost a year later, Chris was in court.

Thebatavian.com covered the hearing:

http://thebatavian.com/howard-owens/attorneys-argue-over-ewoks-phone-calls-and-free-speech-chris-charvella-case/26481

Just thought I'd keep you updated on this ongoing saga that is wasting Genesee Co. taxpayers money.

Anthony Weiner and the Stupid Pill

The Stupid Pill


I'm not sure where one goes to get this special pill, but politicians seem to have a direct line to the dealer.

I can remember, a few months ago, singing the praises of Anthony Weiner to my friend, Dan. Dan is far more politically savvy than I'll ever be and he didn't seem to share my enthusiasm.

I pressed on about what a bright star Weiner was and I could see a successful future for him.

As we all know, Weiner took the stupid pill.

He isn't alone. Bob Livingston (the man who could have been the GOP Speaker of the House), while pushing for President Clinton's impeachment and resignation, was having an illicit affair. His replacement, Vitter, who ran on family values, was one of the Washington madam's customers.

Clinton took the stupid pill. Livingston and Vitter swallowed it whole.

It behooves me to understand what possesses men,in the public spotlight, to jeopardize their reputations and political careers by ingesting that stupid pill.

We just had an election that sent Kathy Hochul to Washington to take Chris Lee's seat.

Ah, Chris Lee. He took the stupid pill, then went to Craiglist to solicit sex. By the way, where is he now?

Should Weiner resign? I'm torn on that question.

Weiner did the unthinkable. He lied to the press. He had them eating out of his hand for a long time. They liked him and they trusted him.

He broke that trust. The press; the talking heads on cable tv; and, of course, the right wing radio personalities went for blood.

Politicians are human. Humans make mistakes, some more serious than others.

Our puritan instincts want to shun any politician who breaks their marriage vows. It shows a character flaw that is difficult to forgive. We've learned, over the years, that it is part of the poltical game to be 'shocked' by the news that a politician took that stupid pill. We've learned, over the years, that the same politicians who are calling for the head of one 'outed' are also gobbling the same pills.

No doubt, each of them believes that they can govern dispite that character flaw. Perhaps they can. Since we don't know how many are on the stupid pill, we'll never know.

Anthony Weiner has a lot to think about.  What his future holds and how he conducts his life are decisions only he can make. 

Ya Ought to See the Other Guy - or The Eye and I and Anthony Weiner

Sunday night, just as I was getting ready for bed, disaster struck.
I didn't really think it was a major disaster, just one of those icky things that happens once in a while.
My right eye felt like it had a lash in it.
We've all been through that.  It will tear and eventually the lash will come out in the tears.
Or so I thought.
I went to bed, hoping that the tears would work their magic.
They didn't.
By morning, my head felt it would explode from the pain in my eye.
If I held my right eye closed, the left eye would stay open for a bit but then it would close too leaving me in my own world of blackness.
It was 6am and I should already be downstairs in the kitchen preparing to serve about 25 people breakfast.  I stood up gingerly, trying not to move my head.  My phone was ringing.  I made my way to the phone and told my right hand kitchenperson I'd be down in a few minutes.
I remember whimpering, "There is something wrong and I don't know what to do.".
Throwing clothes on, I made my way downstairs while holding that eye closed.
Although common sense told me that my eye was firmly attached to the socket, I feared letting go of it for fear that it would roll onto the floor.  Pain does funny things.
I tried to clear my head enough to make sense of the plan for the morning.  We'd serve two meals instead of three.  The volunteers had worked together long enough to know the routine.  A neighbor offered to take me to the emergency room.  An offer I gladly welcomed.
By the time we made it the four blocks to the hospital, the left eye gave up and refused to open.  My neighbor, Jim, led me from the car to the waiting room.  Jim crooned to me the entire time I was in the waiting room.  "It's going to be okay.  You'll be fine.  I'm right here.  I'm not going anywhere.".  I tried to tell him to go home and I'd call for a ride when they released me, but he wouldn't hear of it.  "Dottie would kill me if I left you alone.", he said about his wife.  Jim was true to his word.  He was my knight in shining armor that morning.
Once in the examing room, it was determined that I had scratched the lens.  The doctor ordered a salve to be squeezed into the eye and assured me that the scratch would heal, on it's own, in a few days.  I don't mind saying that, at that moment, I was extremely dubious about that claim.
Enter Nurse Rachet!
I don't know her name, but I'll find out when I can really read again.  In she came with the tube of salve.  She applied the salve, walked to the doorway and told me to follow her so she could give me an eye exam.
Follow her???  I needed a guide dog to get me into the examing room.
So, holding my eye and praying my left eye would stay open, I wobbled to the area where they had the eye chart.
"Cover your right eye and find the line you can read without difficulty", she commanded.
My first instint was to just say, "E".
But, I gave it my best shot and read a line that looked good.
I know I blew it.
Then, she asked me to cover the left eye and read the chart.
The right eye, filled with salve, tearing, and not cooperating at all, gave up the ghost.
I admitted I couldn't read a letter on the chart.
"Do you wear glasses?", she asked.
"Yes.", said I.
"Well there is something up with your eyesight, you should see an eye doctor.", she proclaimed.
Something wrong with my eyesight?  Ya think? 
In her head, I could see her thinking...

She took me back to the examing room, handed me the salve, asked me to sign something then pointed to a spot around the corner from the desk and said, "that's the way out.".

Once home, I took a pain pill and went to bed.  I had every intention of contacting the lady who was running the Arts and Crafts meeting to tell her I wouldn't be there at 1pm.  I had a cart load of material I planned to bring to that meeting.  It didn't happen.  I slept until 3:30pm

Earlier in the week I arranged with Shop and Stock to be the contact person for the Karaoke entertainer for that evening.  He had the check to pay him.  My original plan was to be off site that evening at another meeting.

Sometime on Sunday, Shop and Stock 'remembered' that he wouldn't be there on Monday night.  I remembered him telling me that at 3:30 on Monday afternoon.  With the guy coming in three hours, I had to find someone who would organized the evening.  I obviously wasn't making my meeting, but I wasn't making it for the entertainment either.

A few phone calls and that was done.  Neither eye wanted to open and all I wanted to do was sleep.

Tuesday morning and afternoon were a blur.  Then, a miracle.  By Tuesday evening I could open my right eye without pain.  By this morning, I could work in the shop, although my vision is still somewhat blurred.

I took this on Tuesday morning just to remind myself NEVER to rub my eye again.  It is reversed, for some reason.  All I could think of when I say it, was, "Ya ought to see the other guy!".

So, what happens while I'm listening to my TV on Monday?  Anthony Weiner decides to fess up and tell the country that he lied about sending explicit photos of himself to people on Twitter.  I admit that I wasn't suprised by this revelation.  I gave him the benefit of the doubt because I really, really, really like this guy. 

I so much wanted to post about this on Monday, but was helpless to do so.

I will in the next couple of days, but not quite up to it yet.



Money Laundering

It started out so innocently.   I wrote a check and put it in the bank bag, taking out matching funds to cover a few shopping needs.
That evening, while S&S was figuring out the books for the day, he asked "what's with the check?".
I went through a long and rambling explanation.  "I understand all that, but why did you write the check to these people?".  I looked at the check and realized that I mistakingly wrote it out to the wrong place.
"No problem, I'll go up and replace it with another one."
So, up I went to get the check.  While I was there, I grabbed a basket of laundry to throw in the washer.
I dropped off the check and went to start my laundry.
While I waited to put the clothes in the dryer, I went into the community room and played a fast game of Wii bowling.  The game ended just when the washer stopped.   I took out the clothes and came up with a clump of wet paper.  I thought I may have left a napkin in a pocket.  A few more clothes and I felt something hard in the next shirt.  Out tumbled my wallet.  Everything in it was soak and wet, including the money.  Carefully, I removed the rest of the laundry.  No more surprises, so I started the dryer and went upstairs to lay out my wet documents to dry.
A hour later, I opened the dryer and took out the lint trap.  I've never seen that much lint in that trap.  It was almost like a single piece of fuzzy material. 
I retrieved the clump of wet paper and started to peel away the layers.  Then I realized what I did.
My wallet and checkbook were sitting on the clothes.  When I dumped the clothes into the washing machine, I dumped both the wallet and checkbook in too.  Thus, I'm guilty of laundering money.

On a more pleasant note, the turkey sandwich was a big hit for today's lunch in The Summer Diner.
The spinach, artichoke hearts, and asiago cheese gave it a subtle flavor and the grilled onions (I sauted them with bacon cut into cubes) made the dish.  I'm already getting requests to have it on the menu again.
Another menu item was egg and black olive sandwich served with a tall glass of iced limeade.  We sold out that one.  The last item on the menu was a Ballpark beef frank done on the outdoor grill.  That is always a favorite.

Spring has sprung.

Memorial Day weekend is a thing of the past.  Many of the residents did come out to watch the parade.  The weather cooperated.  We served over 30 people at our impromptu pot luck picnic.  Later in the day, we played shuffleboard and bocce ball.  My shoulder told me when to quit.  I knew I'd be a very hurting unit if I kept going.  Found music from the 50s and 60s that celebrated summer.  It seemed appropriate music for the day.

My friend, Nancy, planned to call me early this morning so we could walk for about 1/2 hour.  I woke up late.  I saw her about 9:30am and asked if she called.  She laughed.  "No, I overslept."  So much for good intentions.  We'll try again tomorrow morning.

The shop and the diner are doing well.  Vacations are taking a chunk out of my volunteer pool.  Tomorrow, for example, I'll be in the shop from 3 to 6pm.  It should go fast since tomorrow is Pizza day.  It will keep me busy.

Tonight, I'll do the prep work for lunch on Thursday in the diner.  The choices are a grilled turkey sandwich with a spinach, artichoke and asiago cheese spread, thinly sliced tomato and grilled onions, the usual hot dogs from the outdoor grill and egg and black olive sandwiches.  The spread is best after it mellows for a few days, so making it tonight will work.

Since I'm going away for the weekend, I'll have to get Monday's breakfast underway before I leave.  The special for Monday is a triple berry french toast bake. 

Things are buzzing at the Towers.  We are working on a plan to use the donated craft supplies.  Our first gathering of the talented arts and craft people is Monday.  I know there will be a lot of good ideas.  We did name our group the GeneSeniors.  We'll be making items to donate; some to sell in our tiny gift shop; some to add to our 'welcome basket' for new residents; and others for decorations for our community rooms.  It should be an interesting project. 

There is a request for an Ice Cream Social.  When I mentioned it to Shop and Stock, his first reaction was, "How much is that going to cost us?".  In the end, he'll go along with it.  We just have to get over his initial rant.   I really believe that an event like the picnic (we supplied the hot dogs, rolls, etc.) and an ice cream social go a long way towards thanking the residents who support the shop and the diner.  It will be fun for the residents to make their own ice cream creations. 

Today is the last day of our May Ice Cream Sale.  It has been a marathon of keeping up with the demand.  Between ice cream and pop, it has kept S&S running.

This is the beginning of another busy week. 

Election Day for NY26; Good Friends; LiveWorld Deja Vu

Election Day - Morning
I was up at 4am on Tuesday, May 24.
My plan was set the night before.  Get up, make coffee, shower, dress, pack my breakfast and lunch then enjoy a relaxing cup of coffee before heading out to the library where I would be working the polls for the special election.
The library is just around the corner, so I knew I didn't have to leave until 5:20am to make it there by 5:30am.  We'd set up the room, power up the voting machine and be ready for the throngs of folk clamoring to cast their vote at 6am.
The plan was sound.  It really was.  Except, I didn't check to make sure my keys were hanging on the door.  They weren't.
At 5:20am, I discovered that my keys were missing. 
Without them, I didn't have the keys to my friend's car, which I would use to transport what I needed for the day.
Without them I couldn't get back into the building or my apartment at the end of the day.
On the outside chance that my friend was awake, I put in a call to see if we could change plans and have him take me to the library.  No luck, the call went to the answering machine.
I went downstairs and buzzed my friend, Gert.  Could she take me to the library, NOW?  She certainly could and did.  I have called her my angel before....now you know why.
I'd like to report that voting was brisk.  It wasn't.  We never saw our first voter until 7:30am. By then my friend did call to find out what I wanted at that ungodly hour.  I explained the situation and asked if he would bring my extra apartment key to the library.  At least, with that, I'd be sure to be back in the apartment at the end of this long day.
Friends
You have already met two of the friends who were part of my day.  There are more.
Dan dropped in mid morning to see if I needed coffee.  We had coffee on site, but a diet pepsi would hold me for the day if he could drop one off later.  He did.
Cathie, from the library, stopped in and brought me a bagful of books I had ordered for my summer reading.  They came in handy to wile away the time between voters.
My friend did bring me my apartment key.  He also was kind enough to take the bag of books home so I didn't have to cart them at the end of the day.
Chris came in to cast his vote around supper time.  He was kind enough to order a pizza for us.  Thank you, Chris.  Chris was really running a tight schedule as well,  He would be part of an election pod cast at 8:30pm, in Buffalo.  So, taking the time to think us was doubly appreciated.
I called my neighbor, Marlene, to ask if she would mind buzzing me in sometime between 9:30 and 10pm.  She agreed to wait by the phone for me to come home.
Each of these people made the day much easier.  I am so blessed to have good friends.
Election Day - Evening
I got home, turned on the TV to get the election results.  Kathy Hochul won the congressional seat for NY 26.  I celebrated with a diet pepsi and went to bed.  I'd look for the keys in the morning.
The LiveWorld Connection
If my friend, Julia, is reading this then she already has figured out the rest of the story. 
Years ago, while working for LiveWorld, I had a fob that was needed to enter a client's site.  You had to enter the numbers displayed on the fob, so I kept it on my desk where it would be easy to read.
One particular day, I had a shift for that client, then a shift for another client, and then had to go back to the first client for the next shift.  I reached for the fob and it was gone.  Not just gone but it evaporated into thin air.
The room I worked in was devoid of anything but the desk, my computer, printer, and paperwork.  There wasn't anywhere that fob could go where I wouldn't see it.  I did a frantic search but couldn't find it.
I made a desparate call to Julia, my supervisor.  I was in NY, Julia in California.
She would have to get someone to do my shift and send me a new fob via overnight messenger.
Thank goodness for the time difference.  Julia's late husband, Jim, would have time to get the fob to Federal Express in time for it to go out that evening.
The next morning, I was putting things away in the kitchen.  There was a cracker box on the counter that felt very light.  I decided to just pour what was left in a bowl and have them for lunch.  When I poured the crackers out, there was the fob...in the cracker box.  I had the box on the floor while doing my shifts the night before.  It fell in the box without me knowing it.  Sheepishly, I called Julia to tell her that the fob was found.  We've laughed over this many times over the years.
Wednesday Morning
Coffee in hand, I started the search for the keys.  They were no where around the desk, not on the couch, not under the bed, nowhere.
I looked on the kitchen counter, and there was a box of crackers.  I reached in and realized there was only one sleeve of crackers left in the box.  I reached in to get the sleeve and felt the keys.  There they were, in the cracker box. 
Keys found.  Mystery solved, I think.
This time I can't say I had the box out the night before.  I did have it out to take a sleeve of crackers with my stash of food I took to the library.  How the keys got in there is beyond reason. 
Had I just posted my problem on Facebook, I'm sure Julia would have read it and just answered back, "check the cracker box!".

My Angels and Jon "Bowzer" Bauman

I am sick.  Not really sure what is wrong, but my blood pressure numbers didn't look good on Wednesday morning.  My bottom number is usually in the low 60s.  Wednesday morning my blood pressure was 153/119.  I think it is a combination of a reaction to an over the counter medication I took to dry out my sinus'.  It is also allergy season and every pollenating tree and flower is after me.
I cancelled the luncheon on Thursday.  I honestly wasn't up to it.  Most of Thursday, I spent in bed.
Then, the phone started ringing.
Kathy Hochul's campaign called.  Jon Bowzer Bauman of Sha Na Na fame would like to visit the towers on Friday night to entertain our residents and talk about getting out to vote, could I arrange it? 
Arranging it didn't take much work.  I called the office and asked if our wonderful administrative assistant, Angel Sharon,  would work up some posters. 
"I'll be down in a few minutes to give you the details.", I promised.
So, I dragged myself out of bed, got dressed and headed for the office.
As I got off the elevator I ran into one of my neighbors. 
"Don't you have people coming tonight?", she asked.
"No."
"Yes, you do.  You have two people booked for tonight.", she pointed to the calendar.
My head cleared long enough to let this process.  I DID have two people coming to entertain tonight.
One, a talented musician who regales his audience with his the banjo, piano and accordian and a very smart media specialist from the local community college who would give a talk on senior citizens and social networking.
The fact that they were both scheduled on the same night is a good indication of how cluttered my mind has been lately.  It was cancel one or the other, or let the musician be the opening act for the media specialist.  I chose the latter.
My business finished in the office I went to the kitchen to see what I had for refreshments for that evening.
It was slim pickings.  2 packages of cookies left over from when we had little dancers entertain us a few nights before and 3 sleeves of Oreo cookies.  At that moment, an angel appeared at the door.  Angel Gert is our resident baker.  She looked at my pitiful pile of cookies and announced she'd be back within the hour with homemade cookies.  She was true to her word and the evening's refreshment problem was solved.
Thus, Thursday ended on a positive note.  I went to bed!
That brings us to today. 
I woke up, made coffee, sat down to the computer and started my to do list for the day.
The list included making an important phone call to the Board of Elections.  I got a call on Thursday asking if I would consider moving up from a poll inspector to site supervisor.  I said I would and arranged to go to their office for additional training on Monday morning.
Sometime before I went to bed on Thursday evening, it dawned on me that I couldn't go on Monday morning.  I'd be making and serving breakfast at our Summer Diner.  My first call was to change the time for my training on Monday.  Thank goodness they were agreeable and I will now be trained at 12:30pm.
The second call was to firm up Bowzer's visit tonight.
The third call was to reserve a bus for July 29 so that our residents could attend a Muckdog game and watch the fireworks.
So far so good.
The next ten calls or so were reminders to people who would be working the phones or canvassing on Saturday.  Done!
I left an email message to Howard Owens from thebatavian.com asking if he would like to cover Bowzer's visit. 
Sent a few more emails and then headed down to the kitchen to decide on refreshments for evening.
God sent me two angels at just the right time.  Enter Angel Martha. 
As we talked, I leafed through our newsletter.  On the recipe page I put a recipe for a french toast bake with a praline topping. 
"That's it!", I exclaimed.  "Martha, we're making french toast."
I cut up bread and arranged it in a buttered pan.
Martha's job was to whisk in the ingredients as I got them out.
Eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg were combined under Martha's care. 
A bag of frozen blueberries, raspberries and blackberries got tossed in for good measure.
Then the mixture was poured on the bread. 
The dish could sit for the afternoon allowing the bread to absorb the liquid. 
We sort of imagined dishing it out and figured we could serve 20, if the portions were small and we covered each portion with whipped cream.
I'd go down at 5pm and put it in the oven.  While it was in the oven, I'd shower. 
Martha and I agreed to meet at 6:30 to dish out the portions.  Which she did.
I was worried that Bowzer wouldn't make it at the appointed time, and I wanted something to entertain our residents while they were waiting.  I thought playing Sha Na Na music would be appropriate.  Finding it wasn't all that easy.  I called the local music store only to discover that they no longer carried CDs.  I called Wal-Mart.  No dice.
I pleaded on my Facebook page for help.   Angel Dan came through.  Even though he works in another county, had an appointment at 5pm at his bank, he managed to get home and download songs on a disc and delivered them in plenty of time.  Thank you, Dan!
So, now we have the CD and learned that THREE CD players didn't work.  Another angel came to the rescue, Angel Dennis who put the CD into the DVD player and viola, we had music.
Bowzer called me a little before 7 to say they were about 20 minutes away.  That worked out fine.  I gave him final directions to our place and felt that I could relax.
I checked the dining room and counted almost 40 people.  My bake will serve 20. 
Angel Gert, without me saying a word, came in with another batch of homemade cookies and Angel MaryLou walked in with a blueberry pie.  Like the loaves and fishes, we fed the multitudes.
Oh, did I mention that Angel Gert also put on an urn of regular coffee and an urn of decaf late in the afternoon so it would be ready by 7?  If not, I should have. 
The evening was a success.  The folks loved Bowzer.  They shared memories of their teen days in the 50s and loved his stories.  They talked about medicare and the problems facing our generation as we wade through the maze of paperwork required for needed healthcare.
I should be sleeping, but the evening energized me.  I had to share the events of the last two days and give thanks for the many people I can rely on when I am in need of angels.
There are two more angels, Angel Pat brought her camera and took some great shots of the evening.  I snagged them off her Facebook page to add to next month's newsletter.  Angel Shop and Stock who quietly took both shifts in The Snack Shop tonight.  His own and that of one of our volunteers who couldn't make it due to illness.  Normally, I would have done one or the other.  He never mentioned that he would do a double.  I appreciate his effort to keep the shop open.
So, thank you Angels Sharon, Gert, Martha, Dennis, Dan, MaryLou, Pat and Shop and Stock.  What would I do without you?

Angel Pat and Bowzer

Bowzer at the piano - thank you Jon Bowzer Bauman for a wonderful evening



I Am a Liberal

There is a guy, on thebatavian.com, who refers to me as his "dear liberal, Bea".  He, and many others in the red county of Genesee delight in disparaging those of us who embrace being liberal Democrats.
Every once in a while, I have to take a look at a clip from The West Wing, to remind me exactly what it means to be a 'liberal'.  I was reminded, again, today and decided to share it.

Corwin's Chief of Staff on the Run

If any of my Florida readers happen to see one of the wanted posters, please post a picture to Facebook.
http://www.wheresmallia.com/
Hey a $5000 reward isn't chicken feed.  Keep your eyes open.
Thanks :)

Republicans Running Scared in NY26

How scared can the Republicans get when they resort to using the money from Karl Rove's Super Pac.
The beginning salvo in this war of words between Tea Party candidate, Jack Davis, and the GOP's heiress, Jane Corwin, has been shot.

The fight for the NY26 seat will now come down to how many lies the Corwin campaign can throw about Jack Davis and how much of it will stick to the wall.
In the meantime, Kathy Hochul, is running a clean campaign.  She is fighting with the weapon that counts, the truth.
Let the battle begin between the two multi-millionaires.  It should be interesting to watch.

Monday, Monday

The Kentucky Derby Party was a smashing success.  I wouldn't even dare take credit for that.  The people I had volunteer for the party, and for the opening of The Summer Diner, are the true stars.
Our version of a diner opened on May 2. 

The tables were set with spring flowers that offset the gloomy Monday morning.  I loved that people coming in for breakfast chose to linger over coffee. 
Our lunch on Thursday also went well.  The choices were a hot dog from the outside grill; a tuna club sandwich; or a beef taco.  The hot dog plate was the most popular meal of the day.
There was no resting on our laurels, we had the Derby party to serve on Saturday.

The ladies came decked in their Derby hats.  They were creations that went from the picture hats to a beautifully decorated lampshade.
The Derby theme, designed and executed by my friend Mary Lu, put everyone in the mood for a grand old time.

Appetizers included spinach balls which were a great hit.  Ham, biscuits, mashed potatoes, baked beans, macaroni salad and a choice of a pecan/chocolate pie or strawberry shortcake kept everyone happy as they waited for the run for the roses. 
While I was sending out the dinners for the Derby I received a call from the Kathy Hochul campaign.
Kathy would be receiving the endorsement of the National Committee to Protect Social Security and Medicareon Monday.  Kathy is running for the NY26 seat vacated by shirtless Chris Lee.  She is the only candidate running who is fighting for the rights of senior citizens.  Would any of the residents be willing to share their experience with the changes in the prescription drug coverage at the Monday event.
I knew the perfect person to ask.  Judy is a volunteer in our Snack Shop.  She is taking sixteen different medications, three of which have no generic counterpart.  When she went to have her prescriptions filled in January she learned that her out of pocket expense had jumped from $15 ($5 each) to a whopping $260.  Judy couldn't afford to get all three so she made the decision to drop two of them.  It was a ill advised choice which landed her in the hospital twice in three months.  It took those three months to get Judy enrolled in a new prescription drug plan. 
Judy and I sat down to figure out exactly how much she is paying, out of pocket, for insurance coverage and prescription co-pay.  The figure floored me.  Her yearly out of pocket is just over $4000 a year.
I sent the information off to the campaign.  We were invited to attend the event and I was asked to tell Judy's story.

Kathy Hochul

So, Monday was a busy day.  We had our Summer Diner breakfast in the morning.  Judy, Eleanor (another resident) and I would leave at noon for Buffalo for the Hochul event.  When we arrived, I learned that I would not only tell Judy's experience but would also open the event and introduce Max Richtman, the executive vice president of the National Committee to Protect Social Security and Medicare to the press and guests.

My Monday to-do list was still waiting for me.  I had to get to the office before they closed at 4:30pm to have posters copied for the Wednesday pizza sale; reprint The Snack Shop's monthly report for Shop and Stock, who misplaced his; and finish my own report for the monthly residents' council meeting held that evening.

Ticking off the to-do list was satisfying.  But, instead of getting it down to zero (my goal), it seemed to be growing.  I had to add the garden club to the list and a new arts and craft project.  My friend, Lin, dropped off three carloads of jewelry making supplies on Saturday morning. The supplies will provide many hours of fun for the creative arts and crafts people.

I went home, after the meeting, fully expecting to go back downstairs for a few games of Wii golf.  Instead, I fell asleep and never woke until 7:30 this morning.

Another day is dawning.  I can't wait to see what it brings.