Happy Halloween Hoaxes

As the darkness settles over the landscape tonight, the eerie sounds of the night consume our beings.  It is Halloween and much like Michael Jackson's Thriller, costumed character awake from the "dead", prowling the countryside in search of the living.  Treats really are the top priority or beware, tricks abound.  Our community, no different than most will host a Halloween dance, costumes optional.  No, we will not attend, work will consume my thoughts and Halloween night.  The Egg-Nazi has been invited, however, grumpy as always, shy by nature, he declined.  He announced..."staying at home, putting around with flowers, waiting for "Mommy" to call."  In the true fashion of Disney, tonight will be even more "Magical" and "Not so scary!"

Although it has been almost three years since we have been in the sleepy town of Baltic, Halloween is hopefully as lively and enjoyable as our memories of the holiday.  So sad that many towns now ban young people older than twelve, from the joys of trick or treat.  Understandable but sad!  Society fears everything even ourselves.  Brought on yy stories smeared across the media, by the media...oh yes that's what sells!  Such a domino affect...let's see what the next hideous crime is committed and how it is outdone by some attention-seeking crazed idiot.

Okay, that said and done, hopefully the fire department in Sprague still allows it's citizens, young and old, the opportunity to partake in the festivities the Halloween holiday affords.  Mr. Bill and I decided to don costumes a number of years ago, him as the San Diego Chicken, actually quite scary, red legs and all, myself choosing a more lovable character, ALF.  We fooled many, even our own parents.  Looking back, I now understand the fear in my mother's eyes as she opened her front door, looking out on two bodies, larger than the usually five or six year old, one enormous chicken with size thirteen feet, attempting to squat down so that he would appear much smaller than his actual size and a fury squat little fatso attempting to hug the petrified woman in the door.  No words spoken, just fear on the face of the small aged woman, trying to call her husband, who by the way was in on the entire prank.  Although they were married fifty plus years, he's lucky she didn't kill him.  Sorry Daddy!

Later years at Fred's News, Mr. Bill and I chose to be closed for the evening, allowing us time to welcome friends children and their grandchildren into our home, passing out treats and taking pictures of all who knocked on our door.  Great fun, great memories and great costumes.  As these young people grow, we will be sure to tell them our memories of their Halloween fun.  Our children, no exception, enjoyed their years of Halloween fun.  We have wonderful pictures of their costumes, many made by Mom,  ranging from lions, bunnies, firemen, shepherds, the ever so popular bum and yes, the camouflage soldier look afford Matthew and Todd.  This costume allowed for hiding out in the bushes, throwing eggs at friends and slipping back into the darkness without being detected.  Thank you trooper Gutkneckt for "raining on their parade", Fred's News would of been out of eggs, had they gone undetected.  Love those kids!   

Young Thinkers

Recently, Mr. Bill and I were watching a Netflix movie, Couples Retreat or something along that line.  Actually a pretty funny movie, with some scenes reminiscent of actual stories brought to us by patrons of Fred's News.  In one scene from the movie, the children of the character played by Vince Vaughn, call their Grandfather to come babysit, allowing Mom and Dad a much deserved vacation.  Much like a young man named Josh.  Having known his parents before his birth, I must say, Josh at an early age was very much a thinker.  His parents allowing him many opportunities to make his own decisions under their careful nurturing spirits and guidance.  We loved having Josh in the restaurant, even at age two, very much a charismatic character in his own right.  Anchovies, olives, sausage gravy, all part of his diet.  The boy's palate very well developed at an early age.  Josh a genuine "foodie", could cook his family of four, a full five or six course meal by the time he was twelve.  For a time Josh washed dishes at Fred's, after the rush, he loved nothing more than being able to sit down with his meal, browsing the numerous food service catalogs at Fred's News.  God love the young man...hopefully some day a famous chef!!

Donnie, a long time friend of Fred's passed away much too soon.  An extremely gentle spirited man, he loved a good joke.  His gait, slow and steady, conversations much the same.  Loved by all who knew him, Donnie an avid Boston Red Sox fan,  loved to instigate.  With his soft warm smile and easy personality, first impressions were that of a quiet introvert.  Quite the opposite, with a wicked sense of humor, Donnie could hold his own against the best, often prodding others into service, just to carry out a joke.    Much like the movie, he enjoyed telling stories of his own family.  Unfortunately, I don't remember if the following was in reference to his son or nephew, whom he raised.  According to Donnie, they were shipping one day at the old Sears Roebuck department store in Norwich, Connecticut.  This store was three floors of everything anyone could ever want.  Kitchen and bathroom products in the basement.  As Donnie talked with the salesman about future renovations to his home or some sort of product he was looking for, the conversation lasted for awhile, the salesman the epitome of customer service, wanting his customer to be sure he was purchasing the very best.  Donnie having a young three year old with him, starting to show signs of impatience.  Years ago, parents didn't seem to worry as much if a child wondered a few aisle away.  Just a curious child, Donnie finished his conversation with the salesman assuring him he would be back,  off he went searching for the child.  Sure enough the young boy returned, totally excited, wanting to show Donnie where he'd been and what he'd done.  Obviously the little boy impatient and bored, tried to tell Donnie a number times...."I have to go potty!"  Ignored by him, the young boy set off on his own search for a "potty."  Not only did he find one, he found many, all neatly lined up and displayed for customer viewing.  One can only imagine what went through  the little boy's mind..."My goodness, so many to choose from, which one can I reach?"  Needless to say, proud of his accomplishment, wanting to show the proud Daddy, he summoned Donnie.  As we all laughed hysterically at the story, Donnie's final words......"I can never go back in that store again!"  Poor salesman...all for naught!

Shaken, not Stirred!

Just two days ago, Bill and I stopped at the Caddyshack to get a quick bite.  This small restaurant/bar is within the confines of our community.  It is therefore frequented by the citizens of this community.  To be more direct...mostly senior citizens.  As we returned to our vehicle, we noticed someone had sideswiped my car on the passenger side.  Total cost to be fixed...$1100.00.  Damn!  No one ever came into the eating establishment informing me of the accident, NICE!  That pisses me off.  I should be thankful, it is minor and no injuries, I am but I'm still upset.

Early one Easter weekend, quite a few years back, PeeWee was in Fred's News at 5:30am on that Easter Sunday.  The usual early morning crowd, slow to arrive because of the holiday.  If my memory is correct, just Hogan, PeeWee, myself and the Egg-Nazi were there.  Suddenly, the stillness and solitude of the early morning dawn, came to a crashing halt and I do mean crashing.  It all seemed to happen in a flash, one second PeeWee's truck was in front of Fred's News, then next second, gone!  Literally, gone about fifty feet up the street.  In it's place,crunched against a now broken utility pole, was another vehicle with a passenger, slightly shaken up, glass, car parts, utility pole parts all over the place.  Since this all happened so quickly, we had barely time to cover the important parts of our bodies, just in case flying glass made it through the huge front windows of the restaurant.  With the crash, the entire building shook as if we had just experienced a tremor.  As the dust settled, we slowly walked towards, the storefront, windows still intact, but utility pole now cracked and leaning against Fred's News.  The glass breaking was the light fixture on pole and the transformer, crashing to to the ground, as well as the front window on the vehicle now in front of Fred's News.  The passenger was okay, bruised and shaken up, he had fallen asleep.  We were all okay, slightly shaken but okay.  Son Mark, home from college for the Easter weekend, rudely awakened by the pole crashing into his bedroom wall, was downstairs at Fred's News within seconds of the accident.  He too, afraid of what he might find.  We have to admit, the crashing glass sounded as if a vehicle was coming through the front windows. Thankfully, it was only the light and transformer from the pole.  However, Easter Sunday, no power, not a good situation.  PeeWee, now recovering from the slam bang action out front, realized that was not his truck parked in front of Fred's.  Slowly he looked up the street, sadly his little pick up totally smashed, in a pile.  Fire department and State Police arrived, giving PeeWee time to fume...not a happy camper.  As other patrons arrived and the early morning quiet had been shattered, neighbors ventured out, asking what had happened.  This only added fuel to PeeWee's fire.  After calling the driver of the vehicle causing all this chaos, "a drunken bum" PeeWee stormed out the door, only to return asking to use the phone.  For the record, the driver was NOT drunk, just sleepy.  Yes, it was his fault, his insurance paid for every one's damages. Northeast Utilities, quickly arriving to remedy the no-power problem.  By the way, that is the fastest Mark has ever responded to us downstairs.

Teamwork, Teamwork, Teamwork!

For those that faithfully read this blog,thank you.  Sorry no post yesterday, I do try to write everyday.  Occasionally, my schedule is a bit loaded, allowing just enough time to breathe.  Yesterday was such a day.  I arrived home at 4:30am, a tad bit later than my usual arrival.  I knew it had been a long night for a few reasons: 1) The security guard at my community said "Good Morning and 'bout time you came home."  sounds like my long deceased Dad.;  2) the daily newspaper was in my driveway already.  That's a late night!  Due to an unforeseen emergency at my job and the need to have the location ready and open for business by 6:00am, my team and I worked through the long night, insuring that the location would be open,  ready for our first Guest in the morning.  This was accomplished by teamwork. 

What made Fred's News function well and without a hitch was also teamwork.  Whether a team of two or twenty, teamwork is a necessity.  Fred's News was lucky enough that our numerous employees throughout the years, were outstanding team mates.  First our children and sisters, then as business grew, employees were added.  We've talked about a few, but there are many that stood out.  Son Matthew and friends, Darren, Eric, Timmy and Heather were the first team of teenagers, making up the crew, along with full timers, Missy, my sister Patty and Sister Harriet, Mr. Bill's younger sibling.  Mixed in with this crew, the floor kids and stockers.  As Matthew out grew Fred's News, friends moving on to college, others were hired.  Younger son Mark and "adopted" son Dave held the night and weekend shifts for a number of years,  Dave's younger brother Jeff joined the ranks, staying with us through a few years of college. As Mark moved on to college, joining Kappa Sigma fraternity,  we never lacked employees.  For those that didn't go on Spring break trips, they worked Fred's News, allowing Mom and Dad a chance to get away.  We always returned, thinking, what would we find, nothing ever seemed amiss.  We joked, we knew how we were at that age, they must of done something.  Years later the stories unfolded.  We still haven"t a clue of the scope of their antics, but all survived, great team work and mountains of "dirt" on each other,  kept them all very closed lipped about any suspicious activity that occurred during our absence.  Fred's News survived.

Every year, at holiday time one of our customers, Max, always gave us a bottle of whiskey.  Although Mr. Bill and I do not drink, we were touched my Max's generosity.  Located in the rear of the restaurant, were newspaper slot boxes, much like a post office.  This is where we put the bottles of whiskey.  Thinking they were still full after all those years, Mr. Bill took them down, only to find most had been opened, some emptied and returned neatly to their place on the shelves.  No wonder we always had volunteers to paint or clean the restaurant after hours.  Nice!  Kappa Sigma fraternity was also the recipient of a few bottles. 

Perhaps, one of the cutest stories that surfaced:  We had a large cactus in our living room.  Bill and I left on a brief vacation, the three boys alone, had strict rules to follow.  Evidently, some sort of pillow fight ensued, using the throw cushions from the living room.  Someone hit the cactus, knocking it to the floor.  After re-potting the cactus, cleaning up the mess, they realized, the cushions had thousands of prickly little spines stuck to them.  In other words, what was once on the cactus, was now stuck in the cushion.  Knowing  they couldn't be pulled out, they stuck the cushion in the washer.  Not wanting to waste water, they filled the washer with dirty clothes, basically a few towels, underwear and one cushion filled with prickly spines from the cactus.  Yes, the spines released themselves from the cushion but found a new home in seams of everyones' underwear.  We returned home, thrilled the house looked wonderful, they had even done the laundry.  Great kids!  However, lurking in the darkness of everyones' underwear drawer,were clean garments concealing the evidence.  A week later, as every complained of a rash, I'm thinking the soap wasn't rinsed out completely, it was like torture.  The guilty came forward and confessed.  We can now laugh, back then  continually scratching one's ass or crotch in public was embarrassing!  Sometimes team work does go awry.

Non-Believers

We always joked that the public had no idea what was involved  just to operate Fred's News efficiently.  Yes, they saw everything that was done within the confines of the small restaurant, but what was done prior to five in the morning and after closing later in the day, was out of sight, out of mind to the general public.  Mr. Bill always joked, in his previous life as a dairy farmer, he was  amazed as visitors would question,"this is what you do?  How do you make a living?"  "I sell milk", was his truthful reply.  Dumbstruck, many would say, "Really, how do you do that!"  Point being, many people haven't a clue of how things get done our how an operation works.  Lot's of hours and hard work is the straight forward, truthful answer. Definitely a lifestyle and a commitment.

At the opposite end of the spectrum, many commented, "I don't know how you do it, you are always here," (meaning in the building).  True, living above the restaurant was unique.  Advantage being, on a snowy icy mid winter morning, navigating the back stairway was better than driving the icy roads.  Yes, the stairway was treacherous, evident by the number of times Mr. Bill, myself, the boys or anyone else slid down the icy incline.  We laughed, can't call in sick, no one there to answer the phone!

Our customer base, as I mentioned before, was far reaching, for such a small place.  Media coverage did help that immensely.  Channel 30 and Channel 8 both did stories on Fred's News.  Because we had never been involved in the taping of a segment for TV, we were amazed at the amount of time needed to produce a three minute clip.  The experience was beyond anything I ever expected.  Although I am not sure what I did expect.  Backtracking, a customer wrote the TV station, explaining Fred's News.  Each week, the reporter visited local eateries.  By the look on his face, my opinion, what can possibly be so good about this place.  Three hours later, him and his crew left, taping complete, stomachs stuffed and understanding the ambiance but not the quirkiness of the place.  We explained, revisiting numerous times, listening to patrons, adding your own stories, you begin understand.  As they were taping, he asked Mr. Bill, who was precooking bacon for the next day, "What are you going to do with all that bacon?"  True to his form, not missing a beat, the Egg-Nazi dryly replied, "I'm going to throw it all away, what the hell do you think I'm going to do....we're going to serve it, fool!"    That answer must of been a moment flashback to his farm days of "How do you make money selling milk!"  After a brief uncomfortable moment of silence, the young quick witted reporter shot back,  "Ah yes, then the rumors are true, pig's all over New England, fear the despised Egg-Nazi!  You are a marked man."  That set the tempo for the afternoon.  He loved the place, the sick jokes where nothing was sacred and the conversations between the patrons, some of which only knew each other because of Fred's News.  The segment aired the next evening, receiving glowing reviews from all who watched.  The very next weekend, many new faces walked through the door explaining the reason they were there.  One woman, looking very disgusted lamented......."We travelled over an hour, because of that show.  This is just a small place."  "Very true, sit down , relax, what are you drinking?"  Still looking very much like a non-believer, they followed my instructions.  Two hours later, they were still sitting there, soaking up the ambiance.  We saw them many times after that initial visit, each time their new "friends" welcomed them.  It's such a small place, but it's got heart, a very large heart, and yes, great food!

The Outcast

With a few big corporations owning the majority of the media, it is no wonder the miles between society have been shortened considerably.  News, stories of interest, jokes and any other form of communications, are spread at such a rapid pace, for many it can be overwhelming.  Society, is in touch.  Mr. Bill laments, the Internet ruined the joke business.  Not really, many people are like him, they rely on someone else to seek out the "good stuff."  Being wired just makes it harder to figure out where the hell you heard it. 

Drew, a young man, slightly different than most (actually a hot shit and frigging weird), loved jokes, all kinds, subject matter, obviously didn't matter.  In his weirdo world of comedy,whether ethnic, dark, grotesque and so forth, Drew was the epitome of diversity.   Anyone would have a hard time proving Drew was targeting a specific group, everyone and everything was fair game.   Drew really didn't fit into society nor did he want to.  Was it alcohol or drugs, probably, but in a strange sort of twisted way, he was likable and to a certain extent, hilarious.  The man loved a good joke, didn't care who was within earshot, it just flowed from his wild strange looking frame, like some sort of poetic prose.  Arriving at Fred's News, he usually park his old beat up truck in the back driveway.  If Mr. Bill noticed him pulling in, he tried to head him off by meeting him on the loading dock.  "any good jokes for me today, Drew?"  Mr. Bill would question.  A tactic that worked like a charm, only because Drew was basically anti-social, really only stopped by to tell the Egg-Nazi a few jokes, rip society apart and bitch about everything, usually ending with, "this is why I live in the f#*king woods."  A personality, that had he been more social, would of rivaled Bill Maher.  Unfortunately, he was a tangent personality, you just had to be cautious of what type of tangent he might go off on!  Regardless, many of his words were the truth, just no one took him seriously.  With his wild mane flowing in the breeze and an unkempt beard, he looked very much like the " outcast of society."  That's the way Drew wanted it.  He dreaded having to visit his parents home, not being able to be himself.  He said he would abide by their wishes, watching what he said.  I find that very hard to believe.  But Drew was accepted at Fred's News, even talking with a few patrons.  He learned, having a bad day, get the hell out!  Oddly enough, but totally understanding, he was friends with "Johann the Nephew...Great!"  Go tell, who would of thought, two peas in pod.  One late summer afternoon, Mr. Bill was out watering the flowers, he watched as Drew, ever so slowly maneuvered his old jalopy into the back yard.  He figured he'd better check out the mood, before he entered the restaurant.  Making his way, dragging the hose off the sidewalk, he reached the back yard.  Sitting in his truck, waiting for him, was Drew.  Windows up, some other wild looking guy, Mr. Bill could hear laughter coming from the truck.  As he approached the side window, Drew rolled down the window, allowing smoke to drift out the side, yes, the scent of good grade pot!  Stoned, Drew and friend finally told Bill, they'd just stopped by to tell him the latest joke they'd heard.  Unfortunately, he couldn't remember it and he really didn't "a rat's ass anyways."  Said he'd be back, "when his mind wasn't so f#*ked up."  He laughed, coughed, finishing with, "if that's the case, your probably never going to see me again!"  With that he maneuvered around the driveway, finally leaving at a snail's pace some twenty minutes later.  We saw the truck later that evening in "Johann, the Nephew...Great's", driveway.  At the rate he was going, less than quarter mile to the place, probably took him at least an hour.

A Thankful Season

With Halloween just around the corner, there are signs of the fast approaching holiday season.  Instead of ghosts and goblins decorating the shelves, it is the Fall cornucopias filled to the brim with gourds and pine cones and yes, little stuffed pilgrims sitting on shelves of the stores, all waiting to grace some one's holiday table.  Along with this season comes an abundance of "comfort foods" along with family celebrations.  Fred's News was no different.  We cooked for our patrons in the morning, feasting on the Thanksgiving dinner with our family in the evening.  We have much to be thankful for.

For a number of years Fr. Mike, the chaplain at the Sisters of Charity, Holy Family Mother house, would bring loads of turkeys and other holiday foods to Fred's News.  The stipulation...we have to find families in need.  Only God knows how many families were in need.  Good to his word, we'd make a list and off he'd go delivering the goods, so these families would have the best celebration.  Some would return to us and say thank you. At first, I couldn't understand why thanking us, but soon the story unfolded.  "Your neighbors at Fred's News thought you might be able to use this food."  We explained the food came from the good Sisters, we are just their "snitch".  Fr, Mike and the Sisters appreciated the help, we saw the sadness of the needy, many in the immediate neighborhood.

Somehow the Thanksgiving season wasn't all about food.  Over our years at the little restaurant, there were many young children that visited the place.  Some here for just a few weeks, some still there, now grown and just as needy.  One particular little boy named Mikey, had such a charismatic personality.  His plight of torn clothes and old shoes didn't seem to affect his outlook on life.  A vivid imagination, we welcomed him to Fred's News every afternoon after school.  Mikey and his mom were receipients of the holiday food basket from the convent.  Tears of joy filled his Mom's eyes as we gave her a turkey, "Nobody has ever been this kind to me and Mikey, please tell the nuns, Thank you."  We relayed the message and enjoyed Mikey's stories of how mom had cooked the dinner, with his help of course.  Soon after, the weather turned much colder.  Mikey came into Fred's one afternoon, not his usual jovial self.  His jacket torn wide open running from some older children picking on him.  He never told us who or why but, I found a jacket, now much to small for our boys packed away.  Mikey wore it proudly.  Much too soon, Mikey and his mom moved on.  We never knew where or why but we were thankful we had a chance to meet him.  He taught all a lesson of Thanksgiving.     

Jukebox Days

Everywhere people talk about the good old days.  We carry on about the way we used to leave doors unlocked, ride bikes without helmets, walk miles to and from school without sidewalks, or according to the Egg-Nazi, he walked back and forth, even when there was snow up to a buffalo's ass and it was uphill both ways!  First of all, I have no idea how high up a buffalo's ass really is, never looked, really don't care to either,  As for the" up hill both ways"...you had to know the route.   Hate to admit it but there were lots of hill, not really steep ones, just lots of long hills.  I think he still uses that excuse, so I won't make him walk.  In case he hadn't noticed, hills in this part of Florida are few and far between.

After an afternoon of running errands, Mr. Bill suggested we stop at the A&W Root Beer place, not to far from our home.   Central Florida is home to many things, but restaurant chains are as numerous as the CVS and Walgreen on every corner.  Not expecting too much, we stopped.  Yes it's a chain, we were pleasantly surprised,  they have an old fashioned jukebox, much like the one we had at Fred's News.  This old juke box, at the A&W, plays the old forty-five records, although I"m not into the oldies but goodies.  Years before we owned Fred's News, I can remember listening to the old jukebox at the place.  Between that and the pin-ball machine, you might find someone reading the magazines while waiting their turn to play.  

The Colonel, one of the older Fred's News patrons, loved the old juke box.  When he was in town, he stop by, put a quarter in and play the music.  Really didn't matter to him, as long as it played.  He'd ask anyone to dance.  Mostly, he'd just talk and reminisce.  For years the juke box helped the night group get through their cleaning routine.  As soon as the door was locked, the music blared.  Many times, the floor sweeper became the performer, using the broom as their microphone.  Young Lee, perhaps the best of the performers, would sweep and dance all in one swift motion.  If she found anyone watching, shyness set in, performance over.  It was great fun, making the mundane cleaning chores more tolerable.  Lee, not the only performer, Everett and Floyd, also showed their musicality.

My favorite story regarding the jukebox comes from Mr. Bill himself.  He had the opportunity to work for "the brothers" about two years before they decided to retire.  They also had a few other employees that would of loved to own the place.  Emil decided, Bill and I would be the new owners, there was no changing his mind.  One of the ladies, upset at his choice, made it clear...I'll quit before I ever work for anyone other than Emil.  True to her word, the day of the signing, she grabbed a quarter, her song choice "Take this job and shove it"!  We applauded her loyalty. 

Eventually, the juke box became a thing of the past, taking up more room than it was worth.  Everyone sad at it's demise, but thrilled to have it out of the way.  TV shows now helped the cleaning crew make it through the evening hours.  If sports were on and a nail biter in progress, everyone watched.  Ward, a baseball umpire, usually hollering at the calls he just witnessed on the TV, Floyd imitating Ward.  We should have filmed all of these nights, anyone who had the opportunity to be a part of the late night goings on, agreed, it would of made TV's top ten list of best sitcoms.

Returning Neighbors

Great weather today!  We noticed the sun setting in the preserve tonight, dancing on the remaining surface moisture, now almost completely dried up.  After an overly wet, hot and humid summer, the weather has turned fall-like, even for Florida.  Great warm breeze, no afternoon monsoons, cool evenings, limited use of the air conditioner, what more could you ask for.  Leaves, minus the color are beginning to drop, allowing the setting sun to open up the preserve to inquisitive eyes.  Just a few days ago, the majestic bald eagle was back.  The largest wing span we have ever seen, his brilliant white tail and head feathers, even more noticeable in late afternoon sunset.  Although we often watched the eagles soar above the Shetucket River, this lovely bird,  the first I have seen totally decked out in his majestic glory.  Casting an enormous shadow, the eagle's stealth flight is being closely watched from beneath the fallen leaves and decaying palms that litter the preserve floor. Faint movement of the rustling leaves in wind still evident, but the squirrels, small birds, chipmunks, mice and even snakes are ever so still, as if time has stopped.  They watch, they wait and they listen, you immediately notice the silence, as he soars above the preserve making his presence known.

Our evening outside quickly coming to a close, mosquitoes need to eat too!  Thank goodness for more than one TV.  Although, I watch very little, Mr. Bill makes up for that shortcoming.  Years ago, early morning conversations at Fred's News always included previous night TV.  Trust me, some things never change.  Just visit the caddy shack restaurant first thing in the morning, wanna-be sports commentators, reality show junkies, Siskel and Ebert impersonators, are all vying for time on the soap box.  This place could be the next Fred's News.......there is a wise-ass cook, but she is out in the kitchen, making an occasional appearance, just because she can.  The waitstaff, usually one or two ladies from the community, sometimes they remember your name, other times...let's just say, other times are the norm.  Opinions abound!  Shouting matches, frequent.  After walking in on a rather heated discussion, I questioned the wise-ass cook...."Why are they shouting at each other, are they really pissed off?"  "Not really, I think they're both hard of hearing."  My God, all that over "Mrs. Brady" getting the boot on Dancing with the Stars!  These people should of been Fred's News regulars.  They would have learned so much.  Snow-birds are returning, so local politics NEVER are part of the conversation, (so tragic).  What is.....health recaps!  Explanation:  How many, how often, the cost, it's all the current administrations fault (especially if you come from middle America).  All have returned to sun-drenched Florida,  having survived the summer months, enduring ever medical procedure known to man...just because, well...we will leave it as just because.  Many of our returning neighbors stop by, amazed at Mr. Bill's flowers.  Some have friends that have helped them return to the community, their first stop, the little house on the preserve, all eager to find out his secrets.  They would have loved the Flowers of Fred's News!  Bill commented just the other day, "we always looked forward to friends returning to the north as Spring blossomed in New England.  Now, the Fall season allows us much the same pleasures.  We do visit the wise-ass cook often, she hails from Rhode Island...We tell her, New Englanders stick together.

A farewell to Old Friends.

With the recent passing of some of Fred's News friends, great memories surface.  Pee Wee, a grumpy sort of man, was very much an observer.  Although the man was not classified as a regular, he was a lifelong resident of the area.  Born of the generation where nicknames where attached almost at birth, his moniker, fit.  Yes, he was small in stature, but his overall grumpiness was larger than life.  Unfortunately, his immediate "friends" realized this weakness and preyed upon it.  They were never disappointed with Pewee's response,  taking joy in the fact they would drive him from the restaurant.  He always returned, grumpier than ever.

Today we learned that a very close friend, fierce defender and regular at Fred's News, has passed.  A simple man, who truly believed and often remarked, "I'm no king, I don't need a castle to live in," introduced many people to the joys of the simple life.  Al Philips enjoyed fishing, camping, horses,  trapping blue crabs and just sitting in his yard talking with friends.  We first met Al soon after we became owners of Fred's News.  Although his home, located at the top of Plain Hill Road, just "up the road a piece" from the Spielman Farm, was just a small trailer, big enough for only him, his door was always open, welcoming anyone who would stop by.  His stories, numerous, his accomplishments the same,  Al served his country during the Korean Conflict.  His stories of the cold harsh winter at the Chosen reservoir, unbelievable. Al was hurt during his tour of duty, the injury causing some problems in his later years, but never stopping him from visiting at Fred's with his friends.  His stories of fishing all over country were whopping big stories.  He enjoyed the razzing from friends, "too unbelievable to be true," yet whomever heard the stories agreed, "they must of been true, the facts never changed!"

Al felt the Fred's News friends were his family.  He often offered advice and help when he felt it necessary.  Al watched our sons grow into young men, as they moved on to their own lives and careers, he was genuinely interested in their progress.  He was honored to say, "they are my friends, I've known them forever, I care.  His only daughter, fought a courageous battle with cancer, succumbing to the disease, shortly after we left Connecticut.  A part of Al's life, no longer mattered, "no child should pass before their parents."  Al now re-united with his "little girl", will be sadly missed.

Yes, it's Monday!

Yes, another Monday.  It really doesn't matter to me, when you are in the Food and Beverage business, one day is much like the other, Fred's News was no exception.  About the only thing Monday meant, was a slower day, unless it was the last day of a long holiday weekend.  Our last few years, as owners of Fred's, we closed Mondays.  Reasons were twofold.  One, our children, having moved on to their own lives and careers, were no longer Fred's News employees.  Reason two, Mr. Bill and I needed a day to be able to do errands and just "have a life".  Bill's take on that, "ain't getting any younger!"

At first people, seemed very upset...Fred's News, closed one day a week.  "How could they do this to us, they don't understand!"  Indeed we did, but it was a matter of sanity.  "We too, after years of dedication, needed time."  Be it known, our dedication and efforts never waned, it just took us longer to recuperate from the crushing weekend business, Mondays being the ideal day.  We looked forward to a leisurely Sunday evening, with friends, Edna and Art.  Dinner together, somewhere in eastern Connecticut and then a stop at the Mohegan Sun Casino.   The best part, staying up past midnight and not getting up at three in the morning.

During the summer months, dinners were usually at a seashore restaurant, with outdoor seating.  Captain Jacks, in New London one of my personal favorite.  Clam fritters and a cup of clear broth chowder, soaking up the last few rays of sunshine, before the cool evening breeze chilled the air.  As we sat just a stone's throw from the charter boat docks,  I remember well that sinking feeling, as the sign appeared, "Closing for the season."   Well, Flanders Fish Market has a great, cozy, homey ambiance and delicious food.  Next week, inside eating it is, let the cold and raw New England weather arrive, dinner with friends would continue. 

As welcome as Monday's day off was, it did have a down side.  Many of our patrons enjoyed the rather loud discussions about the weekend 's televised sports action.  It just didn't seem to be as lively a conversation on a Tuesday morning.  Most of the sports action having already been re-hashed over and over, by the numerous weekend sport's commentators.   But, during the fall and winter, Monday night football was up for grabs, first thing Tuesday mornings.  Occasionally, Bill would watch the entire evening game, only to bitch, bitch, bitch on Tuesday morning.  Since Monday Night Football, is sometime drawn out to the early morning hours of Tuesday, the Egg-Nazi's suggestion..."Get rid of the G-damn commercials!"  Just for conversation, he once counted well over a hundred of those babies, during the course of the game.  I suggested taping the game, minus the commercials, watching it on Tuesday after work.  Jesus, Mary and Joseph, from the reaction I received, you would of thought I had just asked for control of the God-blessed remote! 

The Killer Bee

All one has to do is search through the archives of the Sprague Historical Society to understand what a thriving area Sprague once was.  Postcards are a wonderful way to understand the glory days of this former mill town.  Although a postcard, probably still inside the former Fred's News building, doesn't show much change in the past fifty years, along this small stretch of West Main Street, there are noticeably differences.  The immediate area, directly behind Fred's News, not only had a large garage, which was part of the Fred's News property, but at one time Harrington apartments spanned the Beaver Brook and almost attached to the old garage.  In 1986 we became the owners of the property, the garage still there, housed many boxes of memorabilia.  At one time the Egg-Nazi built a small greenhouse directly in front and attached to the building.  The perfect place to start all his Spring flowers, giving them a much needed headstart, before making their first appearance on the sidewalk at Fred's News.  Fuschias, ferns, ivies, petunia baskets and many more filled the little greenhouse to the brim and was a welcome haven from the cold and snowy winter landscape.  Bill kept the greenhouse heated by using a propane gas heater.  In the spring when the flowers were moved to the outside, the building housed unused pots, fertilizer for flowers, gardening equipment and whatever else Mr. Bill could fit in.  Unfortunately, it became a haven for small critters and the stinging variety of insects.

Knowing our youngest son was allergic to be stings, the moments a hive was discovered, it needed to be taken care of.  Let me say, we probably had more bees and wasps in our backyard than the whole state of Florida.  Possibly an exaggeration, but those God-blessed insects were everywhere.  Bill had stored a cardboard box of God knows what on one of the shelves..  One of the kids, looking for the basketball in the garage announced, "just saw a bunch of bees flying into the box on the shelf."  Bill and I headed for the garage.  The plan sounded good on paper:  Bill would slowly remove the box from the shelf, I would have the can of flying insect killer ready.  Yes, a chance to perfect my quick draw skills!  As soon as Bill moved the box, what seemed like thousands of bees were in the air, attacking!  He dropped the box, picking up a tennis racket, swatting at the bees.  I had been directly behind him, getting ready to spray that killer stuff, as each bee flew from the hive.  We didn't figure the entire hive would empty out all at once.  So, there we stood, Bill swatting at the bees with a tennis racket, me, spraying wildly into the air.  Things seemed to be progressing to the point, we might have been victorious, had a bee not flown through the webbing on the racket, landing on Bill's nose, stinging the crap out of him.  He ran, as did I, but not without laughing.  Wimpy Bill, looking rather pathetic holding his nose, was quite a comical sight.  As for me, no bee stings.  The remaining bees eventually calmed down and regrouped with the Queen bee, flying off, in hopes of finding a new place to build their home, away from the nut swinging the tennis racket and the laughing fool woman, spraying the shit out of them.  I thought the moment would of been a "funniest videos" winner, Bill icing his nose, trying to get the swelling to go down.  Even he had to admit, a bee sting on the very end of the nose, although painful and swollen was quite funny looking.  He also learned he needed to practice his "back swing!"       

Beaver Brook Neighbors

Yesterday I saw my first otter.  Absolutely adorable, he hopped out of the water, quickly climbing to the top of the grassy ridge surrounding the pond, looking out onto the world in front of him, as if to simply say, "wow, so much excitement out here, so many people, no one looks like me, better dive back into my pond."  Instead, that adorable, sleek and slinky little otter, just stood there, taking it all in, enjoying the warm sun, as it dried off his shiny grayish skin.  So cute.

Although, Beaver Brook, flowing lazily along the edge of Fred's News, never produced any otters, at least while I was watching, did have an abundance of wildlife that called the meandering stream, home.
Early in April, State wildlife people would stock the stream full of trout, in preparation and anticipation of opening day fishing season.  Many times they would stop the big "fish" truck right in front of Fred's News, climb on top of the tanks and begin unloading the tanks of hatchery trout, right over the bridge, into Beaver Brook below.  Amazing to watch, patrons always enjoyed this time of year.  Soon after, the trucks departed, customers as well as interested onlookers, would peer over the edge of the bridge, hoping to spot the "big one", they would hook on opening day.  Children, fascinated with all the fish would press their faces up against the iron railing, hoping for a closer look.  Once the fish began swimming in all directions, thoughts of food or an afternoon treat, would once again lure people back into Fred's News.  Conversations, much like the "whooping big fish tales" conjured up on opening day, were all about the "big ones" they had just seen, and were not going to get away this year.  Little did these angler enthusiasts realize, that while they traded stories of glory from past years, the large blue heron, that called Beaver Brook it's Spring time home, was at that very moment, standing in the middle of the brook, enjoying a feast of freshly stocked trout.  One innocent youngster announced...."there's a Teradachtyl in the brook, eating all the fish!"    

Racoons, also frequent visitors to the stream, enjoyed the water and fish as well.  Late one evening, just at dusk, Bill was looking on the upstairs kitchen window, that looked directly down onto Beaver Brook.  I noticed him watching for awhile, questioning why, "Quiet please," he whispered.  So we sat and watched, finally my eyes adjusting to the darkness engulfing the trickling stream.  Out of the wildflowers and tiger lilies bordering the stream, emerged a beautiful and sleek little mink.  He too, looking for an evening meal.  We watched until darkness, camaflouged our furry friend, settling down in to the grasses and twigs, digesting his over indulgence at water's edge.

Fun Fall Facts!

Almost time for me to head off to the tourist mecca of Florida.  Of course there are loads of things to do all over Florida, even without visiting any theme parks.  However for us Floridians, if we feel the need to enjoy the Autumn scenery, all one has to do, is visit Disney property.  Of course Disney isn't the only place decked out in it's Autumn wardrobe, most everyplace you visit, dons some type of Fall finery.  Pumpkins, gourds, craft shows, Fall festival are all over the place, the only difference, no leaf color, but nice, DRY, warm Fall temperatures.   Today, as we were at the local Farmers' Market, checking out the abundant variety of apples, we decided on some nice crisp and juicy Macs.  Definitely a reminder of Connecticut.  Snuggled right up close to these shiny red and green apples, caramel candy kits, complete with Popsicle sticks.  Although we both love caramel apples, we resisted the urge, fearing an unwanted dental visit.  We laughed, as we both started speaking at the same time, ironically it was the same subject.  Fred's News regulars, Fred and Sharon, picking, preparing and making lots and lots of candied apples, for the First Congregational Church at Meeting House Rocks, Fall Bazaar.   That bazaar is the best place, even as a youngster, I visited it every year.  Usually it coincides with the annual Norwich town Green Muster.  Another great Fall festivity, that is a must see, if you are in the neighborhood.

As Fred's News regulars, Sharon and Fred we relatively new to the scene, becoming a very welcomed addition  into the "family."  As owners of Nutmeg Wire, located on the banks of the Shetucket River, in an area that sits just in front of the old Baltic Mill site, Fred and Sharon fits right in with the group.  Fred's hearty appetite, a sight to behold, while petite Sharon, definitely loved the food at Fred's.  Both from Maine, the cold  New England weather, didn't seem to both either of them.  Hopefully, Fred is still getting ready to head north, for his annual hunting trip with his older sister. 

Back to the Farmers' Market...In addition to everything associated with the Fall season being sold, there are loads and loads of Fall flowers.  Not your typical tropicals, but what I would call the Flowers of Fred's News.  The beautiful and aromatic petunias, in every shade imaginable.  Tall full blossomed snapdragons, with their cousins simply called stock, also fragrantly aromatic, something the butterflies will be attracted to.  Impatiens, marigolds, ivies, vinca, all waiting to find a new home. Yes, there are loads of Mums everywhere.  Just as the gardens of the north are being plowed under, Florida is again in the midst of a planting season.  Still a little strange to think....Tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, squash are all being planted..NOW! 

Evening activities at Fred's

At one time, Fred's News also rented videos.  Basically like a Blockbuster, but so much smaller.  The brainchild of our youngest son Mark, he was in charge of ordering, inventory, resales and patron information.  Mark's memory is what helped the video business.  He could tell patrons everything about past, present and futures releases.  Perhaps someone would just remember the plot but not the title, Mark to the rescue.  However, rather than a money maker, it served more as a convenience to our Guests.  The thought process behind this convenience was that they would also take out food to consume at a home "family movie night."  We also had, for the pleasure of our patrons to enjoy, a first run movie showing, as they dined during the evening hours.  Every few weeks, usually on a Saturday evening, we would hold a kids movie night.  Usually starting around eight in the evening, young people would come in, be treated to popcorn and a first run movie, appropriate for their age group.  At the end of the counter, we had a great popcorn machine, that filled the place with the aroma of that freshly popped corn.  That was free, anything else they wanted to eat had to be purchased.  Just a few rules and regulations were put in place.  No popcorn throwing, no loud talking and no horseplay.  Basically, everyone enjoyed.

Many customers would come in during the evening for coffee and dessert, just to chit-chat and discuss the events of the day.  Just as Fred's News had a regular early morning crowd, the evening group was much the same.  Some were regulars at both times, many were those that found the morning too hectic, but enjoyed winding down after a long exhausting day.  Much like a local pub, only no alcohol, Fred's served as a meeting place for the masses.  At times,  informal get togethers were held at Fred's.  During election years, it was not uncommon for the Democratic party to hold their caucus at Fred's.  As I was active participant in Town politics, it was also much easier if the group came to Fred's.  However, if it was a structured formal meeting, with a quorum of the group in attendence, all meetings had to be held in a public place.  Town politics was extremely interesting and rewarding for me.  Of course, as a business person, it helped to keep me in tune to what was happening locally, but it also allowed Bill and I with our efforts to make the Town a better place for it's citizens and businessess.  We also encouraged municipal and state officials to visit Fred's News regularly, enabling them to hear the voices of the citizens.  A few were regulars, however, many thought only election years were important.  Silly fools! The regulars were sure to set the record straight!

An Embarrasing Moment

Yes, we changed many things about Fred's News. We ourselves changed, hopefully for the better.  I always refer it to as the "seasoning process".  Sounds much more interesting than getting old.  We watched patrons grow from young children, to responsible adults, with families of their own.  Many pleasantly surprised us, by returning and introducing their kids to the Fred's News they had grown to love.   One of my favorite stories came from a young man named Rusty.  His mom, Missy, was one of our first employees after we purchased Fred's News.  At the time Rusty wasn't more than three or four years old.  Over the years we would occasionally see him, particularly after he reached driving age.  By that time his mom had moved on to a full time job and no longer lived close to Fred's News. 

Missy was by all accounts, a character.  Somewhere around four foot nine inches tall, maybe a little more, she was a bundle of energy and could control the young teen crowd that frequented the place at night.  Many a night, she was exhausted from reaching deep into the old Fred's ice cream coolers, making delicious, cones, shakes and sundaes.  Usually son Matthew or one of his friends that worked with us, would also be working with Missy.  Everyone also knew where the buzzer was located, in case extra support was needed.  On this particular night Eric was working with Missy.   When we hired Eric, he didn't have any experience working with food, but he was a great kid, a friend of our boys, and the Egg-Nazi had coached him in basketball.  Eric, respectful and quiet by nature, particularly around adults, was the perfect opposite of bubbly little Missy...the perfect team.

In order for Missy to reach the ice cream in the tubs, located in the open top freezer, she had to stand on her tip toes.  At the end of every night, the empty tubs needed replacing.  Eric was rushing about doing the cleaning, stocking for the next day, Missy attempting to change the ice cream tubs.  As Eric descended into the catacombs of the Fred's News basement, his thoughts were not about Missy trying to move all the tubs.  Missy, not only short was very well endowed in the upper body, therefore making the cleanup process all the more difficult.  Add this up if you will...overly short, big boobs, extremely deep freezers, trying to hurry....yes, as Missy was leaning over the edge of the freezer, trying to reach the bottom, she lost her grip...ass over band box, head first into the freezer, kind of wedged there...nothing to hold onto, making escape impossible.  Eric not the quickest person at the stocking job, relayed the following:  "It was awful, I heard a muffled cry, but didn't see her.  I looked out back, nope.  As I came back in, all I saw were feet, sticking straight upside down, out of the freezer.  I ran, (I find that a bit hard to believe), only to find Missy hollering, "get me out of this God damn freezer."  I'm sorry, but I did laugh!" he said looking very apologetic.  Of course by this time we are hysterical, Missy standing there,blood returning to the other parts of her body, after being upside down for five minutes.  We finally asked. "Eric, how did you get her out?"  Eric, ever so dryly, looking around, as if he were some super sleuth, not wanting to be detected, said in a barely audible tone...."I had to touch her ass!" OMG he was so embarrassed.  "Really" "Why her ass, Eric?"  What was I supposed to touch?" he questioned innocently.  Missy said he pulled her out by the seat of her pants, that way he wouldn't break those short little legs.

Years later, Eric graduates from college, becoming a local high school teacher.   Rusty, now in his teens, happens to have Mr. Johnson  as one of his teachers.  Rusty was one of those young people, that didn't change much in appearance as the years passed.  Yes, he looked older and more mature, but the facial features were the same as that wide eyed, innocent young four year old that would often visit mom, when she worked the night shift at Fred's.   I am not sure who brought up the subject of Fred's, but I am quite positive it was Rusty.  With the same innocence of his younger years, Rusty blurted forth, "Mr. Johnson...are you the Eric that touched my mother's ass?"   OMG

Spiders and Snakes, No Lizards..Oh My!

For some unknown reason, the conversation here recently turned to spiders.  Arachnids and plenty of them.  To be honest with you, I haven't seen to many here in Florida.  When we first purchase our home we found a very large (at least three inches) hairy spider right next to the porch door.  Wimpy Bill...hates spiders and snakes..."Dee, look at that G-damn spider, kill it!"  Although I do not have a phobia about spiders nor snakes for that matter, this bad boy was large, hairy and almost looked fake.  Kind of looked like one of those joke type spiders you see at Halloween and he might scream if you squished him.  Alas, squish him I did, much to Wimpy Bill's satisfaction.  I did see the wimp looking over his shoulder, occasionally, for the mate.  Eventually, after a night of dreaming about the fury bastard, it was forgotten.  All of this leads up to spiders, snakes and  one particular jokester at Fred's News.

Because of it's location, Fred's News was a haven for the above mentioned critters.  Wood spiders are common in the area, as are snakes.  The place was located on Beaver Brook,  that alone was a breeding ground for them.  None of us liked them, but Mr. Bill & Todd really hated them.   Many a time Bill would wake up from a sound sleep thinking there was one crawling on him.  This usually occurred after finding one in the house or watching some nature program on TV.  I can remember someone bringing in a fake spider much like the real one we found here in Florida.  They wanted to scare early morning customers, specifically Mary and the Egg-Nazi.  Of course, I took the spider and put it at the bottom of the bucket of potatoes that the Egg-Nazi was going to eventually peel.  Knowing this was going to occur in front of customers, made it all the more fun.  Yes, I do have a bit of an evil side and yes, it worked like a charm, although I adamantly swore, "I had no idea how it got there!"  Actually the person responsible for that dastardly deed recently passed away.  Her "Majesty" Thelma, mother of close friend, "Touch", had an evil side much more prominent than mine.  God that woman was my idol!  One tough old woman, she never ceased to amaze me, with the pranks so could pull off.  Some mornings you'd be running around the place, getting ready to open and just had a feeling someone was looking at you.  Sure enough, lurking in the darkness, just at the corner of the building, Thelma was standing in the shadows, watching, waiting, more than likely trying to scare the crap out of her son, as he walked along the dark side walk heading for Fred's News.  It was a game, Thelma ninety-nine percent the victor.  She'd hide peoples keys, wallets, whatever she'd find on the counter, she'd keep them busy talking and no one would ever see her moving quickly and undetected.  My favorite...she'd button someone jacket to the back of their chair or tie the arms together....she actually made her son quite paranoid...but we all miss the great fun she created.

Snakes on the other hand, were an issue.  We'd find them in the back driveway often.  I remember coming home from son Mark's college graduation, stepping out of the car, practically impaling a black snake with my heels.  Thanks God I am not paranoid.  Bill on the other hand almost broke his neck trying to avoid a snake on the loading dock ramp.  As he exited the back door, carry a large bag of trash, heading to the dumpster, he didn't realize there was a snake on the ramp, until he practically stepped on it.  Trying to put on the brakes, he fell on the wet ramp, bounced off into the driveway, scraping his knees.  No one ever believed him, because I sure, the snake hauled ass when he saw two hundred fifty pounds crashing towards him.  Of course everyone, in close proximity to Fred's News, heard the crash and scream, Bill denies ever screaming, witnesses say otherwise.  Yes, another sleepless night as snakes invaded Bill's tranquil rest!     

Agility Ain't What it Used to Be!

Rarely is there a time I have had to take medicine for some sort of illness or pain.  Never have I been injured and have had to miss work for an injury.  Today is the exception.  Due to a freak mishap, yesterday, I now have to wear a boot on my foot for the next four to six weeks.  Yes, I broke a bone in my foot after stepping on a lone bottle cap, that reacted to the one hundred thirty pound squishing, much like a slippery banana peel.  The series of events that led to this broke bone, lasted no more than five seconds, yet had it been in slow motion, one might of thought it as an avoidable mishap. Turning to my right to retrieve papers from a wall pouch, I caught the discarded cap, barely under the arch of my right foot, the slide ensued, I body slammed a tram filled with pastries,(this wall did not budge), bounced backwards, but in that brief second flash I thought.......I'm fu*#ed!  Deciding in a millisecond....put the hand down, don't let your head hit the floor...whew!  So, the injuries included a bruised right wrist, sore left ribs from the body slam into the tram of sweets and a broken bone in my right foot from that God-blessed bottle cap.  Yes, I was very lucky, tomorrow I go back to work with a boot.  Truly amazing how drugs can work.

All of this leads to the years of self employment at Fred's News.  Through sickness and injury, you worked.  Bill's theory as to why I am going back to work tomorrow..."you are a quick healer, a tough seasoned bird,(he knew better than to use the "old' adjective), and years of self employment, left the wimpy attitude at the door.  Oh yes, don't forget drugs, they help an aged body feel much better quicker.  As we travelled through the years of Fred's, luckily injuries or sickness were few and far between, never the two of us at the same time.  Bill or Wimpy Bill, as the sign above the grill announced, had the flu for two consecutive years.  Between sons Todd and Mark, we plodded through as the wimp stayed upstairs in bed, feeling as though he been put through a wringer.  Then there was the time Mr. Bill, the former basketball coach decided to play with other "seasoned men" and twisted his ankle on the court, declaring, "it's fine, be good as new in the morning!"  Yeh, right, can't remember who filled in that day.
Yes, how about the time of the sciatica attack, no one filled in, we spent hours in the emergency room, not sure what the hell was wrong, but opened later that day.  Poor Bill couldn't get out of bed, I wanted to call the ambulance, "no way, with a few expletives mixed in, I can get up!"  Not with out major help buddy boy!  I recall standing on the bed over him, grabbing his hands and pulling, pulling and more pulling.  Finally that two hundred fifty pounds of pain rolled enough so he could sit up.  They asked him at the hospital what his level of pain was, on a scale of one to ten.  Good thing he answered ten, otherwise I might have had to inject my thoughts on that subject.  To the rescue......morphine!  Yes more drugs, but it worked.  As the pain subsided and the doctors decided he was not going "die from the inside out", his mood changed.  He even agreed to go for acupuncture, which by the way, cured him from all pain, that has never returned.  He could of probably used morphine once again when he injured himself jumping over a large hole, rather than walking around.  He cleared the diameter of the hole, it was the landing on the other side.  As his size thirteens hit the ground, the loose stones sent him into an uncontrollable slide, which produced a badly bruised rib cage and a slight concussion.  He must of thought his agility that of a sixteen year old!

Luckily the only body injuries I suffered at Fred's, were a few cuts and a very sore butt, as I slid all the way down the backstairs, one snowy winter day.  I did however, end up in the hospital, after taking prescribed drugs for two inner ear infections.  That was not fun.  Having never really been sick and never taking prescription drugs, the one time I have to...yes, an allergic reaction.  That kept me in the hospital for three days and a total weight loss of twenty pounds.  Great for diet, not so much for the pocketbook.

In the long run, we count our lucky stars and thank God everyday we have little to complain about.  Yes, everyday is an adventure, what new ache or pain are you going to wake up with.  It truly amazes me how you can go to bed feeling wonderful and wake up feeling so crappy!!

Sport's Moments at Fred's

Although sports talk in common anytime of the year, it seems to be the Fall season that brings out the best conversations regarding sports.  People are extremely passionate about their teams,whether college or professional.  I know Saturday and Sunday afternoons in this community are ghost towns.  Everyone glued to the television, from early afternoon through the late night.

Recently visiting with neighbors,  hailing from Michigan, baseball playoffs were on every one's mind.  Although the Tampa Bay Rays are currently in the first leg of the playoffs, it doesn't look good for the "home" team.  Their stadium only twenty minutes from here, is never filled to capacity.  It seems most people's loyalty, is usually reserved for the teams that dominated their region of the country.  Fred's News baseball teams...Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees.  A fierce rivalry, it produced many "colorful" verbal battles as die hard fans of each team tried unsuccessfully to unseat their rivals.  Much like a congressional filibuster, shouts of "up your ass, you don't know what the hell you are talking about, or the ever popular, "the only way those G-damn Yankees are gonna get another pennant is if that a-hole Steinbrenner buys them one."    Having never been on the Senate floor during a filibuster, one can only hope, the speeches are of a much more professional nature, than those echoing through the walls of Fred's News.

Not all sport related conversation at Fred's turned passionately violent.  Boston Red Sox 1950 Rookie of the Year, Walter Dropo, was a native of eastern Connecticut.  For many years, he was also a weekend regular at Fred's News.  Patrons thoroughly enjoyed baseball conversations with him and brother George.  Both were also avid University of Connecticut fans, therefore college sports were always being analyzed.

Baseball, football, basketball, golf, tennis all conversation fodder at Fred's.  The emergence of Tiger Woods on the golf scene also caused many regular customers to consider taking up the game as well.  A few years prior to Tiger, a number of us decided to learn to play the game.  Luckily, the couples that played are still married to their respective spouses.  Husbands, learned first, then attempted to be their wives' mentor.  All of these teachable moments would of garnered better ratings than the Golf Channel's Haney Project! 

Truly amazing, the number of sports firsts our generation has been a part of. Boston Red Sox winning two World Series, something my Dad prayed for, but never witnessed.  Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, all bringing basketball to a new level.  Secretariat, truly a phenomenal Triple Crown  Winner,  the rise and fall of baseball stars like Mark McGwire and Roger Clement, because of the accusations of using performance enhancing drugs, and many more outstanding sport history.  These moments and more were all part of Fred's News history, just as were the fishbowl lives of family and friends.  

October Fun!

A revelation...today I found trees changing color.  OMG...not the beautiful reds, oranges and brilliant yellows, nonetheless it was a documented color change.  Almost a soft pastel yellow, this lovely tree was changing color.  Although this past summer has been scorching hot, we have had sufficient rains, allowing the trees and other vegetation to remain green and vibrant throughout the summer months.  Being the forever optimist, this is a color change and not a shrivel from the heat.  As in Connecticut this upcoming weekend is filled with many outdoor activities in the area.  Close to home, we have the "Cracker Storytelling Festival"  now in its 22nd year.  Much like the New England musters, this festival is all about the pioneers who settled Polk County, Florida in the early 1800's.  A must see here in Florida and a welcome treat away from the global tourist meccas, just thirty minutes to the Northeast.

October, specifically Columbus Day weekend, was always such a lively weekend in eastern Connecticut.  The last Green Valley was one of a number of walking tours, locals and tourists took part in during this weekend.  Sprague's picturesque Shetucket River Valley, populated with beavers, white-tailed deer, Atlantic salmon, and majestic Bald Eagles, soaring high above the treetops, are all part of these walks, as well as a lazy canoe voyage, down river from the Scotland Dam.  Fred's News was an info center for the numerous walks throughout the area.  Over the years, we had the opportunity to meet people from all over the world, who specifically came to the area for these walks.  They would see the vibrant flowers of Fred's News, the INFO sign for the Last Green Valley and the quaint benches and wooden bears, beckoning them to come in, sit down and stay awhile.  Every few years, a gentleman from England would park his bicycle on the sidewalk, come in, sitting in the front window, allowing for a full view of the flowers. "Good day folks, a tall glass of your outstanding water, a cup of tea, perhaps a slice of that delicious apple pie.  Please warm it up a tad, and plop a generous scoop of vanilla on the top".   "Have you all been well,since we last spoke?"  We actually never knew this gentleman's name, however, every few years he would "come across", touring the New England states, with loaded backpack and just his bicycle.  His visits would always be during the Fall season, allowing for some spectacular photos of all the states.  These visits with us were usually no longer than forty-five minutes, then on his way, vowing "don't change the pie recipe, I'll be back."

Bald-Eagles are relatively new to Sprague's landscape.  Perhaps one of the most majestic birds to watch, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that a number of pairs of these Eagles, now call eastern Connecticut home.  Mark Chartier once told me, there were about fifteen pairs along the Thames River from the Norwich area downstream towards New London.  Hopefully their population has increased since we have "flown south".  Amazingly, we have seen Bald Eagles in flight, just a few miles from our home here in Florida.

  

Halloween Spirits

Everything is now all about Fall and Halloween.  Scarecrows, mums, gourds and pumpkins are everywhere, including truck loads traversing the State of Florida.  Late last night, as I was attempting to make my way home, Interstate 4 westbound was closed to traffic, due to a serious crash, some two hours earlier than I had arrived on the scene.  Traffic was backed up for miles, mind you,  all at one in the morning.  Florida, obviously never sleeps.   Had I known this, I would of criss-crossed Disney property, and picked up the Interstate ten miles further west.  Back to the pumpkins....as I inched my way onto the Interstate, behind a large trailer truck hauling pumpkins, thousands of them, I ended up in the dreaded  gridlock.  What else to do, think about pumpkins, Halloween and a new story for Fred's News.  My inspiration, aside from the pumpkins creeping along in front of me, was an elderly lady from Staten Island, also a full time resident of Florida, she too loves Halloween.  This wonderful, silver haired, tiny bundle of energy, is one of my Cast Members at Disney.   Last evening, because of the extremely cool but welcome air mass sitting over this southern paradise,  conversations were more numerous and personal.  Fall festivals and Halloween are on everyone's mind.  My new friend, who's name is Lucille, delighted in the story of my dear but deceased friend "Loose Wheel", the former neighbor, Fred's News confidant and regular patron of the old establishment.  Although my "new" Lucille was not born on Halloween, as was "Loose Wheel", she shares the same sparkling personality, eyes dancing with excitement and storytelling qualities as my old friend. 

As we shared memories, she told me of characters from her past, who epitomized Halloween.  Explaining the small Town of Sprague, Fred's News and the Cast of Characters, for the "new" Lucille, allowed the unusually quiet evening to quickly pass.  She delighted in the stories of the children from Sprague, decked out in their variety of Halloween disguises, parading behind the local fire truck in the annual Halloween parade.  "New" Lucille would of loved the old Grist Mill, with its pumpkins and mums, leading the way to Scott Andrew's home, totally involved in the Halloween spirit.  Always an impressive candy stop, complete with the witch's cauldron, brewing the magic potent in the front yard, beckoning all to stop, if they dared!  But the story she loved the most...a Fred's News regular..Reverend Rapid.  By his own admission, this is his time of year.  Cool weather, stories of the strange and bizarre, allows the Wiccan Priest the opportunity to don the black cape and,well, just be himself!  A former youngster in the Town, he left a number of years ago, only to return with the new and improved version..from Rusty to Reverend Rapid, he's back!  The old Grist Mill, on occasion has given him the opportunity to create some great "Haunted House" tours for the Halloween season.  A number of other civic groups have brought the Halloween "Haunted House" spirit to the Town of Sprague as well.  Some so well, people remarked.."much to real for me!"

So as I sat in traffic for two plus hours, these are the things that consumed my mind...no idol time for me.

Fred's Feral Friends

Driving with all the windows down, the radio playing loudly, is my favorite type of driving.  I know people look at the "old lady" driving hell-bent up the Interstate and say,"look at that old-fart, reliving her childhood!"  Not really, I just hate AC in the car, even when the temp hits one hundred, I love music and speed, yes I love speed!  Around these parts you have state troopers and sheriff department deputies.  Double indemnity!  Last night, as I was driving home at two in the morning, it was a chilly fifty six degrees, but I had the windows open and the heat on!  No music though, just letting my mind wander through the day...."did I learn something today?", "Did I make a difference?", "Am I happy and did I make someone happy?" Affirmative to all the above.  As I approached the entrance to my community, I noticed the security gate opened,the guard just opening the door to welcome me.  "A little late tonight aren't you there Missy?" he questioned.  First of all the name is Diane, you old fart,(probably at least eighty), second you're not my keeper, just the gate keeper.  Why is the G-damn gate open?  "Stuck" was the pissed off reply.  "Can't ride around the neighborhood tonight, gotta stay in the guard-house, let everyone know the gate is stuck.  I wouldn't want any undesirables to get through Ma'am."  Well at least he noticed I wasn't a Missy, he's back on track with the Ma'am thing, but I really wanted to tell him..How the F%#K do you think YOU are going to stop any undesirables?  My God he doesn't even realize a strong wind is going to blow him over!  Oops, sorry about going off on a tangent!

As I drove around the corner, lots of little peering eyes, glowing in the dark were visible.  The little feral cats are back.  They really are adorable as they romp around in the darkness.  They almost seem to follow to point...then in flash, off into the woods.  I know I have mentioned before that the building closest to Fred's News was often called "LaPere Estates" after its owner.  More often than not, this building was home to what my skinny friend at the gate my call...undesirables.  Much like the feral cats, as quick as they arrived in the neighborhood...GONE again!  Unfortunately along with loads of crap, many times they left a pet.  At Fred's, feral cats were the norm.  One warm late Autumn afternoon, Bill and I were finishing the days chores.  As we locked up the back door of Fred's News, momma cat and two adorable babies approached the ramp leading up to the dock.  We watched, not wanting to frighten her, she obviously had reasons for bringing the babies so close.  She looked famished, the babies gaunt with beautiful large green eyes.  Egg-Nazi, back into Fred's..tuna and milk.  Momma ate feverishly then coaxed her children.   Oh no, friends for life.  We watched and enjoyed for weeks but they never let you touch them.  Early one morning, a young girl living in one of Lapere Estates apartments, ran to us crying.  She too had been watching the babies, her greatest fear now a reality.  Only momma cat survived the night, her precious kittens ventured to far into the road.  Bill, our young friend and myself gave the kittens a proper burial, momma cat no where to be seen.  A few days later we heard the heartbreaking sounds of momma cat.  As she came onto the loading dock, she wound herself between our legs.  This was her first touch with the humans who had helped her.  She stayed with us until winter, when we noticed she was getting fatter.  Todd had made her a little cat house which we kept on the porch.  I filled it with blankets and the next day in sub-zero weather, two very tiny babies entered this cold and barren January climate.  We fed them, covered the little house with more blankets and four weeks later, we were rewarded with our first glance.  Momma was so proud, she let us hold them, cuddle them but always with a watchful eye.  As they grew, we put a gate across the step, only momma cat could cross.  As Spring approached, we knew it was time for a move.  We'd miss them but West Main Street was no place for youngsters to romp.  Justin and Arthur Spielman graciously agreed, Spielman Farm was just they place for the young family to move.  They would share the barn with the cows and other feral cats, but more importantly they were now safe.   

Craving Fred's Food!

This morning it was again a glorious fifty six degrees.  I know everyone thinks, that's not cold, it isn't. By Florida standards, its chilly, its Fall and it is, OH SO LOVELY!  Today the temperature will cap out at eighty five degrees, with a northerly wind and no humidity.  This is paradise!  Although I am going to work and closing my location tonight, I won't be home until two in the morning, the drive home will be quiet, cool, relaxing, giving me a chance to wind down after a busy day.

This morning we were talking to a friend from Connecticut, he mentioned, "almost time for your Beef Stew!"  Absolutely!   Took some stew meat from the freezer, will make it tomorrow, it then has to sit for a day, allowing all the ingredients to DO THEIR THING!  The finished pot of stew is oh so scrumptious!  A definite favorite at Fred's News.  November of every other year was an election year in the Town of Sprague.  Fred's News provided the meals for the poll workers,  The unanimous choice,  always FRED'S NEWS FAMOUS BEEF STEW for lunch, then grinders (subs, hoagie, torpedoes) for the supper hour.

Actually stews and soups of all kinds were always one of the daily specials at Fred's.  Never knew what the concoction would be, but always delicious.  Recently were were talking with neighbors, many of whom come from the upper Midwest.  During the cool weather in their part of the country they too enjoy comfort foods such as homemade soups and stew.  We joked about Friday's at Fred's News, always being Clam Chowder......mostly they look at me, totally wondering, "how the hell anyone can get excited about clam chowder?"  I guess you have to have lived in the coastal areas of this vast country to really crave and enjoy seafood.  My sister Patty, now living in Arizona, totally craves seafood, especially from the New England waters.  I must confess, I feel the same way.  Here in Florida we get lots of seafood, it's great, but doesn't even begin to rival Friday fish and chips with a bowl of clam chowder.  At Fred's, it didn't matter the type of chowder we served, New England with the cream base, Manhattan, loaded with fresh tomatoes, the Egg-Nazi's favorite or just plain clear broth chowder chucked full of minced clams, soft potatoes, onions and bacon, my favorite.  Yeah, after this conversation with the neighbors from Michigan and Wisconsin, they do not get it.  In all fairness, I guess I'm not a born Cheese-head either.  

Sounds in the Darkness

OMG...can't say it enough...the weather is absolutely gorgeous.  Fall is upon us in central Florida, the neighborhood is awakening, and the night owls are becoming more vocal.  Our home is located on the edge of the preserve in our community and is also home to abundant wildlife.  We have seen the owls soar into the preserve at dusk, but last evening they were so vocal.  It is such an eerie yet comforting sound.  Although they kept me awake, I enjoyed the chorus.  As I walked into the kitchen just past midnight, I hoped my eyes would acclimate to the darkness surrounding the house.   Night goggles would allow me to watch the preserve come alive, but my imagination would have to do.  As I sat there hoping for just a glimpse of Mother Nature's children, my mind drifted back to Baltic and Fred's News.  On a warm summer night, the windows of our home would be wide open.  The flowing waters of Beaver Brook were always such a comforting sound, as were the peep frogs and crickets that called the brook their home.  We picked this home in Florida because of the sounds of nature.

This morning I had to awaken at three, due to the fact that I was the opening manager at my Disney location.  There again memories of Fred's surfaced.  For over twenty years, that was my schedule, awake at three, hopefully to bed by eleven.  Not a complaint mind you, early morning darkness is quite soothing to me.  That smell of freshness in the air, nature's nightlife enjoying their moments away from civilized peering eyes, all allow me to relax, think and enjoy life.  As I slowly drove the winding road out of our community, I had to stop a number of times for sand hill cranes, armadillos, "possum and those God-blessed hogs in the middle of the road.

There were many times, I would head down the back stairs of our former home,  preparing to open up Fred's News, only to be greeted by a family of raccoons in the yard.  They had easy pickings if someone left the dumpster opened.   I remember one morning as we were alone in the darkness of the restaurant, preparing to open, we heard a dog continually barking.  It seemed so far away, but in the stillness of the morning, it was so precise and exhilaratingly clear, growing louder with each passing moment, when suddenly, out of the darkness, a huge white-tailed deer came streaking down the road right in front of Fred's News.  His pursuer, a large, extremely vocal hunting dog, but as fast as they appeared, off into the darkness, the intense barking drifting away.  Bill and I stood there listening......nothing, the barking had ceased.  We wondered as we stood on the sidewalk, alone in the early morning darkness and fog,  "Did the deer make it to freedom?'  If he made it to the river, he would be safe.  If not....... who knows, then out of the fog, a very exhausted hunting dog strolled back up the street.  We new the deer was safe,  the old boy was heading home, after a night out with Mother Nature's children.  

A Fred's Moment in Florida

Today actually felt like a Fall day in Florida, by Florida's standards that is.  Super dry air, bright sunshine and a breeze with a hint of coolness .  Took a long fast walk tonight and NO Bill did not walk.  If he comes with me, we meander.  I like to work up a sweat, get the old heart pumping and the lungs expanding...Not Bill's favorite pass time.  He often asks me, "Don't you walk enough at work?"  Nope!  Love to walk, if I could I'd hike across the country..sounds so exciting!  Let's go back to the work thing.  Yes, I am a restaurant manager at Walt Disney World. Currently I manager Roaring Forks at Disney's Wilderness Lodge..great place, rustic and beautiful.  Today, as I was helping one of my Cast Members, I glanced at a woman, smiled then turned my attention to the moment.  That little light bulb in my mind lit up brightly,  as I looked up, she had disappeared.  Quickly I finished and headed out, on patrol to the dining room, hoping to see her again.   She was sitting there alone for the moment.  As I approached the table, she look in my direction.  "You look like someone I have met before.  No, I know I have met you before," I questioned.  A little puzzled she remarked, "You also look familiar!"  Then it hit me, she'd been a weekend patron at Fred's News.  Her son and friends frequented Fred's News as well. At that moment her husband appeared, we laughed as we all recognized each other.  Mary had just retired after thirty six years of teaching.  Her celebration of that milestone was a trip to Walt Disney World.  Such a small world, we laughed at the far reaching effects of Fred's News.

Today, was not the first time I have been greeted by former patrons of Freds.  Listening to these people, their memories and how we touched their lives is so rewarding.  Each time I hear from someone, a new story bubbles to the surface, taking over my thoughts.  Mary, remarked, "we don't go to Baltic any more.  We now live closer to the shore, but my son and his friends talk of the fun they had at your place."  Many times young people would come into Fred's News, eat , sit  and talk for a few hours.  Many found the place nostalgic, little did they know it was their comfort zone.  They were surrounded by people who genuinely enjoyed their presence as well as their thoughts.  Simple things in life, the old COKE machine, was a source of intrigue for many.  Those small glass bottles, made special for this machine delighted them.  Surprisingly, many had no idea how to open the bottles.  Hee-Jung Yang often held lessons:  "Now pay attentions, please, I'm going to show you this only once," then she'd smile that wonderfully broad smile and laugh.  We used to laugh and say, "If it was a bottle of beer, they'd figure it out! 

Swimming with the Fish!

We've touch on the subject"Life in the Fishbowl", but it wasn't only our immediate family that was under constant scrutiny.  Anyone who was a regular patron, an employee of Fred's News or for any other reason,  came into the place...you were swimming for your life in the fishbowl.  It didn't necessarily mean a hostile, negative environment, it can be quite comforting knowing there are bigger fish with bigger issues.  You know the "we are all in the same boat", it just so happened, this boat tipped over into the fishbowl known as Fred's News.

Just the name Fred's News gives a hint of the talk of the day.  Newspapers were delivered every morning at Fred's.  The early risers, were the keepers of the news.  They enjoyed letting everyone know what was the news, who was in the news and where the news was happening.  As a child, Memere always read the local newspaper's obituary page first.  "Got to see who died, anybody I know or family of anybody I know."  She'd then give me a quick smile and say "making sure I'm not there!"  Basically that says it all.  People want to be the first to know...EVERYTHING!  There again it's not a bad thing.   Patrons always wanted to be able to comfort someone who had suffered the loss of a loved one, an accident that might of injured a patron or there family.  Case in point:  Max, a regular at Fred's for years, enjoyed celebrating his October 1st birthday, either by taking a trip to Atlantic City or visiting the local casino with his Dad.  He totally enjoyed each and every birthday.  We always made a big thing out of that day, Max loved it.  Sadly, a few years ago he and his Dad were heading to the casino for just such a celebration.  A devastating accident happened, although Max was injured, he recovered.  His Dad was killed instantly.  All this happened on Max's birthday.  As friends, we rallied around Max, as did all of his Fred's News buddies.  They helped Max through his sorrow, all were concerned and offered comfort.  Life in the fishbowl helped Max grieve.

On the flip side..it too can be brutal. A patron's son was listed in the paper under the police reports.  Although a minor offense, the keepers of the news read it first.  After I placed a huge guilt trip on them, they never said anything, but the patron knew EVERYONE had read the news.  It is times like that, the fishbowl becomes somewhat murky.   Matthew R., one of our long time employees, was a rip.  His driving record was..well let's just say it was, undesirable.  It had gotten to the point, he'd announce any speeding tickets or accidents he had during the week, just to shut up those who were waiting to pounce.  That boy had such a way with words, everybody loved him and yes, Matt swam in the fishbowl!  Ironically, his Dad would lunch at Fred's News on a regular basis.  People would question him, "What did Matt hit this week?" Better yet "Are we going to read about Matt this week in the paper?"  For all the minor mishaps that boy had....it never made the papers.  He'd let everyone know...just in case!

Actually, you didn't even have to be a regular to be in the fishbowl.  Just show up, be friendly, keep everyone guessing...yep, you were in the fishbowl.  I do believe it was that sense of mystery that made the waters of the fishbowl very interesting.

Memory Tidbits

Owning your own business for over twenty years, produces many outstanding memories.  We can talk about the majority of them, choosing to forget the ones that probably didn't matter at all.  Both Bill and I hit milestone birthdays during our years at Fred's.  Although Mr. Potato Head was two days shy of his forty third birthday, as we signed papers making Fred's News our own place, I was but a mere child.(sounds pretty good to me).  A few years later, the dreaded forty appeared on the calendar.  For me, it wasn't a big deal, but to family and friends...let's celebrate!  What a wonderful party they planned!  Recently, I was unpacking another box from the move and found loads of photos.  Yes, there are still a few unpacked boxes, even though it is closing in on three years since we have left Connecticut.  For some ridiculous reason, all of our photos were not packed together.  I really thought I was much more organized than that, obviously I was wrong.  OMG...an admission of guilt!  What I found, was a box with cards and pics from that birthday party, allowing for a rush a great memories to escape from the crowded hard drive of my brain.  First of all, can't believe some of the clothes people were wearing, including myself.  We must of all thought..."cat's meow"!  Then the funky hairdo's, mine, minus the gray and OMG..BIG HAIR reminiscent of the Bon Jovi do's.  My kids, no exception, Todd with his mullet, Matt and Mark at least they still had hair, oops, sorry boys, but Mr. Potato Head was minus the paunch, on the thin side.  We haven't seen that for an awful long time, although he has dropped almost thirty pounds since we sold Fred's News.  As for myself, I haven't changed!! Gotta love that magic mirror I look into each day.  In reality we have all aged gracefully and thankfully, with only a few bumps along the way.

On the flip side, a reality of the life hit me.  So many in these great pictures are looking at us via the great big Fred's News in the sky.  Many, because of age, others prematurely.  Phylliss was the first I saw, having passed away just a few years after this celebration.   An outgoing woman with a hearty laugh, she and husband Henry always walked hand and hand.  She spoke often of their plans for retirement.  They too looked forward to moving to Florida.  Phyliss did live to see the move and always had a great positive outlook, even with the grim diagnosis she had been given.  Henry remained in Florida, always returning to Fred's News, when he came north to visit family in the area.  Henry recently joined Phyliss, he too, sadly missed.  Hogan's wife Edna, my longtime friend and confidant was in the photos.  Every year on my birthday, Edna made a bowl of Ambrosia Salad just for me.  It was absolutely the very best, and a great cherished memory from a beautiful friend.  After her death, Hogan ocassionally made me that same salad.  Obviously, Edna taught him well, it was the best.  The list of deceased patrons is large, but all allowing for these wonderful stories.

As Bill approached his fiftieth...the Egg-Nazi warned..."No party!"  We observed his wishes.  Always a wise crack from him, he didn't disappoint.  Reason for his decision, "with all the friends he had, you could probably hold it in a phone booth!"  Mr. Bill, although a smart mouth, joke cracking wise ass, is basically very shy.  His preference, stay home, have a great meal with me and the boys.  His wish was granted.   Phyliss on the other hand, had recently hit her fiftieth, receiving a number of over the hill gag presents.  Due to a dream revelation Bill had discussed with patrons in Fred's News, she obliging parted with her large "Depends", announcing, "Mr. Bill needs them more than I do!"  Everyone knew the Egg Nazi was on his way to "the senior years!"

My fiftieth birthday, although a milestone, but not something I wanted to celebrate with a crowd.  Son Mark was in Florida, having been the first to leave the area.   Although my Dad had passed away, Mom was still a very active woman, always on the go.  The family celebration they planned was the best.  Thanks to his brother Matt, Mark made it back from Orlando.  This was the best any MOM could ask for.  The small party was at the Mohegan Sun Casino, thanks to Chef Matthew, he planned it for Mom.  We had a cozy dinner together..unknowingly, it would be the last milestone birthday my Mom would attend.  As a young person, I had made a cake for my Mother's fiftieth.  Dad and I came up with the message on the cake. "Happy Half a Century Mom".  Although she laughed, she later shared, "I really DID NOT need to be reminded it was the half century mark!"  As we celebrated that night at Mohegan Sun, Mom whispered to me, "Happy Half a Century my youngest daughter."  I laughed, remarking "Thanks, Mom, somehow I knew that statement would someday come back to haunt me!"  Love that woman!