Winter Beauty!

One more day and 2010 will be gone, something we can never get back!  Mr. Bill not sure he'd like to have it back, but as best buddy Ward reminds us, "One not so good season doesn't make the entire year a bad one!" Absolutely!  Today warmed to around seventy degrees.  Perhaps had the sun appeared....upper seventies would of returned.  This afternoon all 2010 Christmas decorations returned to the darkness of their storage bins...glitter stuck on the carpet will continue to remind us of the season past.  Looking forward to the new year, Mr. Bill thumbs through the Burpee seed and flower catalog.  This little piece of Springtime heaven arrived two days after Christmas.....another season, another wish list.  Antsy to begin, yet cautious because of the past two weeks of killer frost, the Egg-Nazi is chafing at the bit.  He'd be out there now tilling up the flower beds, but chemo has left him feeling rather cold and achy, much like winter flu season.  It is probably a blessing in disguise...he knows the chance of more frost,very likely.  Strange weather all across the nation, so we probably shouldn't complain, at least the white stuff stays to the north.  Son, Todd says the last storm could of been worse, the eye must of gone directly over Eastern Connecticut, sparing the little Town of Sprague.

Today as I was packing away Christmas "stuff", saving the holiday cards, I came across a few photos of Fred's News, with it's stark winter wardrobe.  Not too inviting from the outside, gone were the flowers, beckoning sidewalk benches and cute as a button carved bears, perhaps they too were hibernating for the season.  I seem to remember taking the picture just for that reason.  Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder...Beaver Brook frozen solid along side Fred's News, no fish, turtles or snakes, just the naked trees lining the sides, no protection from the frigid cold, yet the sun, shining through ice coated branches, so stunningly beautiful.  The thin ice covering what little water was left in the brook, took on a pattern of ice crystals so cold and bare yet so delicate, their beauty breathtaking.  Only the picture records the beauty, no human or animals dared brave the cold bitter wind and ice.  Yet just around the corner, the warm atmosphere of Fred's News, beckoned all who venture out in the dead of a New England Winter. The aroma, of steamy hot coffee, homemade soups and stews, perhaps a stick to your ribs, sausage gravy and biscuits, a perfect way to start the cold day or just warm your innards!   

Join or Leave!

The Egg-Nazi and I were out and about in the neighborhood recently, always in search of "the local coffee shop."  We have found a couple, but none really that have the intimacy of a Fred's News.  Up the street from the "Caddy Shack"  in our community, is a place called "The Main Street Diner"  Not a dining car type building, it is nothing special from the outside.  Cute and neat as a pin inside, there are a couple of things that stops it from being a Fred's News.  No counter with stools and the kitchen is not visible to the patrons.  The cook/owner does make herself available for viewing occasionally.  The three regular waitstaff know patrons by names, remember events in their lives and the area, ask folks if they are having their "regular" and have brought sarcasm and wit to new levels.

If this little place had the counter with stools, it definitely would fit the Fred's News motif.  Stools have a tendency to bring out "the best" in patrons.  Ironically, there are a couple of chairs close to the kitchen, allowing the "regulars" to sit and chat with their help.  The chairs are also used by the people who happen to stop in, see friends, but there is no room to sit, they just pull up the extra chair....invited or not.  Sometimes a silly memory enters the cob webs in the noggin.....Fred's News had stools.  These particular stools spun around, allowing the seat part to be taken off.  If the regulars were paying attention, seeing an "undesirable" stop at Fred's, they would hurriedly grab the seat off the stool, hiding it in the back or behind the counter.  Usually it was the seat right next to them......"Oh too bad, the seat is broken, you could of joined us!" Oh how evil, but the best reply, I have heard for that..."Oh I told my family you would be here, they are thrilled, won't you please join us at a TABLE?"   Yeah, join or leave!!  One time I was not paying attention, someone managed to take the seat off the stool base, hiding it in the back room.  I came around the corner just as the "undesirable" was looking for a seat.  Not realizing what the regulars had done, I grabbed the seat..."Hey, what's the top of the stool doing in the back room, guys"?  If looks could kill, yep, I'd be dead!  My retort...."join  or leave!!!

Just a Side-Bar!

It isn't too often I will write about something we already talked about, but a cute story, so perhaps a bit of a sidebar.  "We will see how that works for you" friend, Christine, delivered a bouncing baby boy Christmas Eve. As we have discussed, this holiday season, her daughter experienced growing pains.  Does Santa really exist?  On the other hand, her son insisted Santa was delivering his new brother.  Christine, not due until January 2nd, now faced a dilemma.  On one side, a child doubting the Jolly Elf really exists, the other end of the spectrum, a young boy, a true believer.  The dilemma, if Santa didn't "deliver", she would have two non-believers.  Early Friday, the day before Santa begins his journey, Christine goes into labor.  She is the one person who did not want this baby before Christmas.  Unfortunately, unable to deliver, a C-section is performed.  Alleluia!  Daughter wide-eyed announces, "Mommy, brother was right, Santa did deliver our baby brother!  Younger brother is thrilled, "I told you he was gonna!!"  Husband, surprised, but thankful his wife and newborn baby healthy, but always looking for a practical reason, he is thrilled they now have a new 2010 deduction.  Oh yes, hubby is a finance manager for Disney, hence the deduction thing! Mommy Christine whining, "the pain of the incision, severe, I am such a wimp!"''

Although Christine never visited Fred's News, she has listened to many a story about the place.  A hearty soul, she grew up in Buffalo, New York, God love that woman, had I been blessed with a daughter, it would of been a Christine.  Truth be known, the woman is a "mini-me!"  Very much a quick wit, that girl would of been an asset at Fred's News.  Almost an exact replica of youngest son Mark, with one exception..."she has no problem "delivering the magic".  A people person at heart, she thoroughly enjoys sarcasm, having mastered the art.  Son Mark and Christine would of been a great duo at Fred's News...much like Bill and I....scary isn't it! 

We Will See If That Works Out For You!

Such a great day yesterday!  My goodness, family , friends and scrumpdillyicious (spell-check has "no suggestions" on the correct spelling, so be it!) food!  Always so wonderful to gather at friends, we never do it enough!  As for the Christmas weather, it couldn't of been more delightful.  Today however, meteorologists are singing quite a different tune.  Cold windy, showery weather will bring in ANOTHER cold wave of weather.  Tomorrow, my day off, the temperatures will struggle to reach the upper forties.. All they had to do was give me a call, I'd of made a better prediction as to when the cold weather will arrive.  Absolutely, positively, Monday at the ass-crack of dawn....it will be colder than a witches' tit!  You ask, "How cold is that?"  I have no frigging idea, but it is my day off, guaranteed colder than normal weather will be here.  One might ask, "you sound bitter, are you?"  Perturbed maybe but not as "bitter" as the G-damn weather.

As I climb down from my soap box, I find myself laughing at a conversation I had on the day before Christmas. Super Trooper Dave and family calling to thank us for the gifts Santa left in Florida for the kids!  Young Jack Henry always upbeat and thrilled at the choices made by "Santa" for him, hurriedly explaining all the things he was hoping to receive on Christmas morning.  He quickly mentions, "I don't expect I will get all that I have asked for Memere, other kids, need toys too!"  Love that child!  Sister, Madelyn, in the background loudly screaming at him, largely for reasons unknown and probably just because she can, announces, "give me the phone, it's my turn to talk to Memere!"  Even though we are over a thousand miles apart, I sense this is going to be a tough conversation.  "Hello, Maddie, how are you and why are you screaming at your brother?" I feel this is a safe enough questions, the silence however, would make any seasoned parent way too uncomfortable.  "Hello", I repeat...only to be interrupted by a slightly pissed off Maddy, "He stepped into my room, WITHOUT asking!!" was the angry and hostile reply.  Understand, little miss Maddie is loved by Memere and Pepere dearly, however, as I have often mentioned to her parents, "I fear as she reaches puberty, Jack Henry will never be the same.  Her father's reply.."Jack and I will weather and share the pain together.  Mom, Kendra on the other hand, sighs..."Daddy's little girl, has Daddy wrapped around her pinkie!!

Madelyn, settling into conversation, explains her wish list....Santa IS bringing me a piano!  "Really?" Memere questions....Maddie also announces that is the ONLY  thing on her list.  We will see how that works out for the young lady.  After Maddie decides she is finished talking..."do you want to talk to Daddy?"  "Sure," put him on.  We talk a minute or two, I mention the piano thing and Super Trooper Dave says, "yeah, I don't  know what that is all about!"  I quickly explain to him, as I child I too wanted a piano.  For three consecutive years I begged Santa....."please, please a piano is all I want!"  I told him I truly was heartbroken over never receiving a piano!  A somewhat silent moment is quickly followed by, "well Memere, she is going to share your pain!"  If she is really bad, I am calling YOU and YOU can explain why Santa doesn't do pianos!"  For the record, I did not receive the phone call, perhaps other gifts from Santa, "eased the pain!"

During this season a friend of mine reported her daughter came  from school announcing, "Mommy I know there is no such thing as Santa!"  Christine (friend) explains she felt very old, her daughter was growing up.  However, she still has a four year old...a firm believer.  Christine felt her daughter was asking for a verification on the comment.  Christine, recovering from that shocking statement asks her young daughter one simple question, WHY?  The young child tells Mommy.."the girls in school were talking about it, I heard  what they said."  Christine, now fully recovered from the severity of the statement..."well my dear young daughter, you believe what you want...but we will see how that works out for you!"  Within the hour, her daughter returns to her Mother's side...":Mommy, her is my letter to Santa, it is everything I would like!"  Evidently she's not going to take the chance she is wrong! 

A Winter's Walk

"Rare snowfall, could leave parts of the South with a white Christmas", "Holiday travelers stranded at European airports", so goes the Christmas headlines!  Just for the record, this part of the South will not experience the "White Christmas", it is, however, a rather brisk morning! 

Remembering our Christmases at Fred's News, anticipation of a snowfall, especially at the holidays was always so wonderful for business!  Depending on the intensity of the storm, that too, good for the business.  Something about walking along the sidewalks,especially when you don't really have too, in the middle of a snowfall, that is extremely gratifying. Protecting yourself against the elements, look towards the heavens, listen.  One can almost hear the intricately designed little pieces of frozen water fall, ever so gently onto your exposed faces.  Absolutely, breathtaking!  If the opportunity to do they same is in the darkness of the night, the world, although frozen,takes on a much different landscape.  I can remember standing outside in the back of Fred's News, bundled up and gazing upward into the darkness, yet the gently falling snowflakes,lit up the heavens.  Stunningly beautiful!  If you listen, you can almost hear the sounds of nature, preparing themselves for winter's fury.  No birds flying overhead or singing the sweet sounds in the sun's warmth, just the eerily quiet night and the delicate snowflakes landing on frozen ground.  Those are the sounds of a cold snowy winter's night.

Do I miss that,emphatically no! Just the sweet, warm and comforting memories of life experiences are enough.  I do believe it is why I enjoy the late night drive in the solitude of darkness.  The expanse of the Florida sky, amazing.  This southern sky also very different as it evolves through the hours of the day and night. 

As people would quickly enter Fred's News, after their winter storm walk, I sensed they too had experienced that same exhilarating feeling.  Mr. Bill loves to sit and people watch, I never thought much about it, but thinking back to the multitude of expressions on the faces of Fred's News patrons, I believe people watching to be an art-form.  A perfect example: hurrying into the warmth of the restaurant, standing just inside the door, shaking the ice crystals from hats, mittens and scarves, then stomping your boots, removing what's left.  I didn't have to look at my children's faces, I could hear the groans and whispers..."why didn't they do that outside!" the often heard cries.  Yes, those were our floor washers!!   

Christmas Morning at Fred's!

Busy, busy!  Happy Holidays to all!  We have much to be thankful for in our lives, our family, friends and the love shared by all.  Christmas is always a time of reminiscing, each year a new memory, keeping you wondering where you pulled that one from.  Of course there are the favorites that always surface first, but those small tiny ones you laughed at, are the ones most endearing!

For many years we always opened Christmas morning, greeting patrons as they made their way to and from church services, or on their way to family gatherings for a delightful holiday meal.  Many arrived at Fred's News during the early morning hours simply to pick up their holiday pies or a quick cup of coffee, the newspaper, at the same time assuring themselves, the Fred's News family was awake and functioning, helping them start their day!  In our earlier years at Fred's many of "the brothers" longtime regulars simply stopped by, chatting about the "spiked" Christmas drinks "the brothers" often provided for them.  More than likely it was a hint.... be assured the hint was observed, but liquor was not a "Fred's News thing", at least not during our ownership.  Friendship, undying devotion to our patrons, good food, conversation and stability into their everyday lives, was the fare at Fred's News.

Surprising how busy Christmas morning actually could be.  We thought people merely arrived to say hello, wishing us and our family the very best of the holiday season, when actually for a few hours it reminded you of many of the chaotic weekend mornings!  Early morning often gave us a glimpse into the lives of our patrons...Mary arriving to pick up her paper, checking out the thicker than normal after holiday ads!  Probably  much worse than Black Friday, but Mary loved to shop!  She often mentioned the decorations would be taken down, carefully stored in their special places, all before you could eat the leftovers from the holiday.  Mary's decorations, often up for a month, made her ready to clean up, get rid of the "old, make way for the new, heading into the new year fresh and ready to go!  As for myself,  procrastination at its' best, the decorations staying around for awhile.  The soft glow of the holiday lights during the quiet evenings, always so comforting, I hated to part with them.

Our children's memories of the holiday might not be so endearing.  Yes, they enjoyed the holiday baking of cookies, setting up decorations, even some of the hustle and bustle that is part of the package, but not being able to have their own Christmas morning celebration until after the business of Fred's News was taken care of, often a thorn in their side.  The Egg-Nazi and I often laugh at youngest son Mark's response to the age old question asked by a patron early one Christmas morning, "Merry Christmas Markie, did you get anything good for Christmas?"  Mark, about eleven years of age, not a morning person to begin with, let alone having to work the restaurant on Christmas, dryly remarks, "I don't know yet, we can't celebrate Christmas until after you guys are all gone!"   OMG...maybe now I totally understand why, this thirty-something young man, working over ten years at the"Happiest Place on Earth", Disney, lives by his statement.."I make the Magic, don't ask me to deliver it!!"  God love them all, just as we do...our kids!  Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all! 

Heavenly Fun!

Hopefully everyone who remembered had a glimpse of the lunar eclipse last night or should I say in the wee hours of Tuesday morning.  Yes, I was up.  Having fallen asleep on the couch way too early, I prowled the house at 2:00AM.  Probably a good thing, it gets me back into the work mode.  I am the closer for the next couple of weeks, meaning, I'll be driving home at 2:00AM.  No big thing, this time of year, it gets dark early and quite cool, I'd rather be working, can't really do anything outside. 

I love anything to do with astronomy, outer space basically the heavens.   Finding it totally fascinating, remembering as a young child at the start of the space program, I always wanted to be part of the team that blasted off into space.   So while I patiently watched the moon's shadows last evening, those childhood thoughts returning but other memories of gazing into the skies also surfaced.  Early one morning as we readied for the opening of Fred's News, we made sure all the back dock lights were off and our back yard as dark as possible.  Mr. Bill and I patiently gazing towards the heavens awaiting the forecasted meteor shower...we were not disappointed, what a shower it was.small and large tails criss-crossing the skies, we watched in the stillness of the night, neither speaking just smiling, enjoying the heavenly show!

Not to long ago, as I drove to work at the ungodly hour of 4:00am, listening to the radio and thinking about my day ahead, suddenly a fireball directly in front of me, high in the sky.  What the.....as I continued driving, I noticed the few vehicles on the road driving considerably slower, as was I...all looking at this beautiful fireball with its' long winding trail...Suddenly as quickly as it appeared....puff, gone!  Trying to think rationally. I suddenly realized it was what the last night launch of the space shuttle.  Absolutely gorgeous!  I had seen a few daytime launches since our move to Florida, all exciting, each totally different.  Nothing compared to the stark beauty of this, the awesome power it takes to send this mammoth "above and beyond!"

Quite excited, I had to call home,not thinking of the hour, just completely in awe of what I had seen,wanting to share with the Egg-Nazi.  As the phone continues to ring, I wonder why,no answer,suddenly I feel a beep from my cell phone...caller ID, it's Mr. Bill calling from his cell....what the...!!!!  "Hey sweetheart, I just saw the most beautifully different thing, after you left, I turn on the TV and realized the shuttle, about to be launched, so I headed outside...OMG did you see that burn, awesome, totally awesome!!!" he shouts with delight.  "Oops," he says, "I'll call you right back from the house phone."  Less than a minute later, he's calling,"I think I woke up the neighbors, as I yelled in the phone to you, the neighbors lights came on, so I ducked in the house!"  Wasn't it a great sight, did you see it?"  Did I see it, it appeared as if it were right above me....... OMG two peas in a pod!

Retirement Life! Health, Hot Weather, Electrical Storms, Oh My!

Just got through reading the local paper, taking note of one article in particular: Ten worst places to retire.  You are correct, Florida is among the list of fiscally unhealthy states, but the article does continue with: Retirees may have own criteria.  This too being true.....Connecticut is in the top ten worst states to spend your golden years!  All said and done my sister Patty, living in Arizona, also one of the top ten most troubled states.  What all this boils down to is "What do you want from retirement."  Since I have ten years to go before even thinking about the word...job security is tops...so far, so good.  Good health insurance also another plus.  As self employed business people for over twenty years, approximately two hundred fifty dollars a week went to health insurance, covering myself and the big guy.  Yes, it was total coverage, but we were at the mercy of the insurance company, use it and the cost rises.  Not so now, we may have a co pay but the premium doesn't rise according to sickness, praise Jesus!

We like warm weather, maybe a little warmer than Mr. Bill cares for during the summer months, but given the alternative, you can be out side having fun over three hundred days during the year.   During the winter months our "bed and breakfast" opened to all who care to visit, there are always takers, we enjoy the friends we so dearly miss!

On the downside, Mr. Bill does not like thunder and lightening storms.  Sorry sweetheart, we live in the lightening capital of the world!  Todd sent him a radio headset to use while mowing the lawn, Mr. Bill preferring to wear the thing during a storm.  If by chance I am traveling to or from work during a storm, I always call, checking in to see how he is doing.  Since he keeps the radio plastered to his head and blaring, it's very unlikely he will hear the phone ring.  I have fixed his cell phone to ring and vibrate, so with a little bit of luck,he will feel the thing vibrating, that's if he isn't shaking to death!  Usually it takes him a while to answer.  His reason for this:  "It takes a little bit to maneuver the phone out of your pocket, when you hunkered down under the bed!"  Right, Mr. Bill, you don't fit!

His fear of thunder storms began long before our move to Florida.  Twice in his life he has been hit by lightening..that explains alot!  When we lived in Baltic, I am not sure who created more of an issue during a storm, Mr. Bill or Fred the Dog...both shaking out of their skin.  At least misery loves company, Fred always practically on top of Mr. Bill during the storm, Mr. Bill holding on to the shaking dog, assuring him they both were going to be okay.  Me...I would go onto the porch and watch, I do the same down here and "NO! Mr. Bill we aren't getting a dog! 

Sunday Morning Thoughts!

Ah yes, Sunday mornings, usually started out relatively quiet, but by the time the first Mass at St. Joseph Church started at 8:00am,"scouts" would arrive.  Although all understood, if we were busy sitting at a six top table by yourself, meant more than likely someone else would sit with you.  "Saving of seats" not allowed for more than five to ten minutes, depending on the crowd.  Backtracking to five in the morning, David would always be with us,quickly wrapping the first round of silverware, in the anticipation of all out chaos.  Usually by 8:00am the second round ready to be wrapped as well. Usually Terry and Jean were in, Jean always ready and willing to help.  Each time a batch was taken from the dishwasher, one of the Sunday morning regulars was waiting to "git er done!"

Sunday mornings also meant a larger than usual delivery of newspapers.  The Sunday New York Times among the largest, and most anticipated.  Glen and Gary always waiting, willing to help put the thing together!  I too, enjoyed the Sunday Times, sometimes it would take days to complete, but always enjoyable reading.  One of my favorite sections, obviously the Connecticut section.  Jeanne Walker a former Fred's News regular, now living in Vermont, enjoyed writing articles for the paper.  My favorite: Her piece on "Chocolate".  Thought about the article as I consumed a piece of dark chocolate earlier today...Gosh sometimes I despise the holidays!

Mr. Bill says at times he misses the chaotic life of Fred's News.  An obvious reason, says he didn't have time to be sick.  He must be feeling a little down,"retirement for me has been a bit of the ups and downs" he laments, "first the heart thing, now another hiccup, bladder cancer and gallbladder surgery.  What's next?" he wonders aloud.  "Getting well for God's sake!" I snap back.  He kinda gives me that deer in headlights look, "oh yeah of course, I was just thinking," he sheepishly says.  "Don't think!" I snap back, then using one of his famous lines,"for God's sake don't analyze, I'll do the thinking for both of us...you concentrate on good thoughts and getting better!"  "I know, I know," he whines "no deadbeats on your ship, everybody pulls their weight."  Absolutely, the Egg-Nazi a quick learner, and with plenty of weight to pull!

Holiday Ramblings

There is something about looking at holiday decorations, the lights casting fanciful shadows on the new fallen snow, truly a winter wonderland.  Remembering years back, we would take rides just to look at what and how people decorated their homes for the season.  Funny how the holiday decorations come out sooner and sooner each year but as soon as the holidays are over...woosh...gone!  One minute Fred's News would be all aglow with holiday cheer...the next, the winter doldrums!  Didn't matter how dirty the floor got with slushy shoes coming and going, if it was holiday time...oh well.  Take away the decor...what a crappy glum looking mess.  At times the salt and sand mess required washing the floor at least three times a day!  People always amazed..."How do you do it, the floor gets so messy but it sparkles the next moment!"  Good old elbow grease, lots of "under the breathe" obscenities, a good mop, hot soapy water and a great back!  If it was an unusually snowy winter, mop heads didn't last very long.  I do believe we tried every product out there, the best, scalding hot water with a good detergent soap.

Living "in the south", many homes have pretty tile floors.  Just for the record...they are a pain, tough to clean, tough to keep clean and yes, it is back-breaking work!  Glad we don't have to add snow to the mix!  As I was washing the kitchen floor today, Christmas Carols playing rather loudly, I began thinking of the cold snowy weather, wondering how I would feel in single digit temps once again.   Well, this past week was cold, twenty-six degrees...that's not a cake walk!  A quick trip to the local Walmart...two pairs of those little gloves for a dollar!  The deal of the day, keeps the cold off the wimpy hands, as I make my way from work to a cold parked car...then the steering wheel feels like ice cubes too.  OMG what a wimp!  Crank the heat up, grab a cup of cappuccino for the long ride home, listening to Christmas Carols.  Good thing the cold doesn't last, yesterday was eighty...Gracie Baby upset she is in Connecticut, and it warmed back up in Florida.

Today we thought about a quick trip to Lake Wales attraction Bok Towers, much like a Harkness Park or Gillette Castle, it is gussied up all in it's holiday finery.  Unbelievable poinsettias, lights, and many other tropical plants.  Very much a winter wonderland, Bok Towers is about twenty minutes from us, yet as you walk through the holiday gardens and rooms, you forget you are in a tropical paradise.  Hopefully Mr. Bill, will gather strength, if not there is always another day!  Although today is in the sixties it has been very overcast and a very rainy morning.  We do need the rain, something we don't get much of this time of year.  Fire danger is  high, didn't have to deal with that too much in Connecticut,  at least not during the winter months.  Maybe a chimney fire or two back north, but not grass fires in the winter!

Last evening, our community had a golf cart parade.  Believe it or not people decorate their carts for the holiday season, ride around the community, the entire season before the judging occurs!  Some carts cute others...what were these people thinking.  My favorite....someone handy with the jig-saw made an entire sleigh, minus the bottom and fit it over their cart.  All painted red  and green, holiday's lights adorn the top, quite the spectacle, it took first place.  Other creations not so good, beauty however does lie in the eyes of the beholders.  Outside this community, they would never venture, for fear of being locked up!  All I can say is "keep the gate locked!"

Nap before Eating..Really!

Fred's News is a family!  For the non-believers...what can we say to change one's mind?  The outpouring of questions,concerns, get-well messages and prayers for Mr. Bill has been enormous and heartfelt.  Even after having been gone for three years, friends call, email and even send cards the old-fashioned way..the Postal Service.  Gracie-Baby sent a message..."Hope all is okay, you haven"t posted anything about the Big Guy?"  Yes he is okay, slow moving, tires easily, but okay.  Chemo, two days after surgery does have a tendency to pack a one, two wallop!  After a morning and mid-day of running around with me, he is asleep on the couch.  As we were coming home he asks, "what were you planning for dinner tonight?"  Chicken and rice, chicken with salad, pasta...you name it, if you're hungry, I will make it for you!"  His appetite not what it was...a definite case of "eyes are bigger than the belly!"  Usually nothing stops Mr, Bill from eating.  As we walked into the house, he looked exhausted and said..."need to take a nap before I eat, hope you don't mind!"  Even if I did, it wouldn't of mattered, he was sound asleep before I had a chance to answer!  

Recently we were talking about the food served at Fred's News.  Mr. Bill always gave humongous portions.  He felt EVERYONE had an appetite like him.  Our local coffee shop/bar/restaurant serves smaller portions, much smaller!  He mentioned to Shirley, the cook, one day, perhaps she should increase her portion size.  "What the hell, some of these people can't even finish what I give them, they even complain if it is too spicy," she argues.  Mr. Bill turns up his nose, muttering something to the effect..."If you gave it to them, they would love it and eat it!"   Gotta remind him of that conversation...right now he barely eats what I eat..let alone three eggs, five pieces of bacon, home fries and toast.  I would call this an "I told you so moment!"  He remarked the other day.."Now is your chance to get back at me...hit me when I am down!"  OMG, so dramatic, but I will remind the wimp of the conversation.

Although we are looking forward to the holiday, a chance to visit, eat and enjoy our family and friends,  Mr. Bill made mention.."three more treatments, hope that is it.  My buddy Ward will arrive on January 8th.  Can't wait."  This is probably the only time in recent memory, the Egg-Nazi wants time to fly by. I totally understand!

Cookies, fudge, holiday breads, Bev and Doug's holiday Egg-Nog with dark rum...um um good.  All scrumptious "goodies" the Fred's News" family" presented to us during this season of giving!  Little treats, pictures, and oh so many memories, making the holiday and the place so special!   I recently found a picture of the Egg-Nazi with that God-blessed hot dog hat.  He was sitting right next to the large Santa figure at the front door!  With his white beard and chubby belly the only difference "the Hot-Dog Hat!!!" 

Doesn't my Gallbladder Weigh Something?

Today is day five of my vacation.  Okay where the hell did it go!  On the plus side, Mr. Bill is home from the hospital, he returned to the cancer center today,  his third treatment for bladder cancer, is still in an upright position, although slightly exhausted, a little bit cold, but smiling and his finger is working fine navigating the remote through the numerous channels of "nothing to watch" on the TV.  Today's temperatures warmed to around seventy-two degrees.  After a few hours of outside work, cleaning up the plants that did not survive the freeze, Mr. Bill headed into the house, exhausted.  Through all of this, the appetite has not waned.  As we arrived for his treatment today, a certain ritual must be followed.  First a questionnaire.  The Egg-Nazi always complains about filling out the same form week after week, questioning the big...WHY?  Question #1-Have you had any surgeries since your last visit?  Aha...absolutely.  Gallbladder removed!  Question #2-Have your meds changed since your last visit? Aha...Aha....absolutely a double whammy...Go ahead Mr. Bill...list them.  He makes a gross face at me, never will he complain about this form again!  As he finishes the form, he is called.  Oh no a new nurse!  "Where is my friend Linda?" he questions.  "On vacation, I am your nurse today, is there a problem?"  Caught slightly off guard and probably still showing signs of the drugs in his body, the quick wit misses a click.  "Oh..okay" he mumbles as he nervously looks at me.  She puts us in a little room, closes the door,"Jesus, she is scary!" Mr. Bill laments.  As I giggle, he looks at me and laughs, "For Gods sake another one that's going to look at my winky, the whole G-damn world has seen it lately!"  By now I burst into laughter, Scary Nurse enters the room, not even cracking a smile,"Care to share the joke? she wise cracks.  "Not really" Mr. Bill replies.  Scary Nurse presses on and I see the quick wit surfacing.  "It isn't nice to laugh behind some one's back" she says very slowly. "My winky is afraid of you!"  Mr. Bill carries on just as she had.  OMG...I am trying not to,laugh...she isn't sure what to say so she smiles and leaves.  The Egg-Nazi just grins!  When she returns, she must have taken a nice pill, her mood completely changed.  I think Mr. Bill was glad...because I said "Now you've done it, go ahead and really tick her off.  She will come back with a longer and bigger tube to stick in your winky...then who will be laughing...scary Nurse!" 

Aside from the questionnaire, Mr. Bill very much in hurry to get weighed.  He figured..no food from Saturday night until Wednesday morning, he had been suffering from nausea, so there was nothing left.  Also fitting into his calculations..."My gallbladder has to weigh something, it's gone, so maybe I will have some sort of weight loss."   Prior to entering the room, Scary Nurse told him.."Step on the scale."  Yeah he is up three pounds!!  Nice Mr. Bill.  I figure all those intravenous bags, you were hooked up to...at least five were put through your system, at about a liter a bag...yeah that's about right...Mr. Bill not a happy camper!

"tis the Season"

Oh the aroma of fresh baked gingerbread! Something about the delightful smells of the holiday season that is so comforting.  Although I am not a big fan of consuming gingerbread, the smells and intricate artistry of gingerbread cookies and houses can be so comforting, "warm, fuzzy and whimsical!"   Yes, I can make a "mean" gingerbread, the artistry of the decorations, however, a little on the "iffy" side.  As young children, my sons thoroughly enjoyed the cookie cutter almost as much as consuming the cookie dough!

Each year I make a silent promise to myself.....construct a gingerbread house...start to finish.  Again a broken promise.  At least I didn't promise anyone else!  The last attempt at gingerbread construction...Hm mm?  Mrs. G.'s house with Granddaughters, Jordan and Taylor.  So much fun, it looks so much easier than it actually is.  The twins having the time of their life, eating as they decorated.  As the project finished, each house totally different, they were put on display in Mrs. G. living room, for all to enjoy.  The following morning, however, much of the candy missing!  Since mice loved to invade during the cold New England winter months, everyone assumed it had been a mouse with a "sweet tooth!"  Eventually, a few holiday seasons later the "little mouse" with the rat sized sweet tooth, confessed.  Miss Jordan, the queen of sweets, the culprit!  Nice!

Before moving south, we always enjoyed visiting the Connecticut based Mohegan Sun Casino.....the holiday gingerbread house,exquisite.  Just watching the chefs and "elves" during the construction phase, totally breathtaking, the details perfect!  Now that we live in central Florida and are able to visit Disney, we always make sure the Gingerbread displays are part of our annual holiday trip.  Most people visit the parks, but the truth be known, the resorts themselves are decked out in their holiday finery, and yes, the Gingerbread theme lives on.  "Snow" covered villages complete with trains and whistles.all displayed for eager visitors to discover.  The winter wonderland beautiful and charming, downright awe inspiring!

Closer to home, the aroma or holiday baking, comforting.  It makes, the downright cold weather, bearable!  Keeping the lights low, the tree all aglow and scented candles setting the mood for "snuggle down" on the couch time, whether watching an old holiday movie, munching on some fresh baked cookies or filling out those holiday cards...."tis the Season, there is nothing quite like it!

Vacation Time!!!

Day two of my first vacation in three years.  As I prepare to head off to to hospital land...yes, the Egg Nazi in residence there, not sure for how.  Severe abdominal pains late Saturday night, I arrive home only to find a note on the front door.  Joe (friend) took Bill to emergency room with severe abdominal stress!  Let's rewind, if only for a moment.  As I exited the Wilderness Lodge about 2AM my cell phone beeped.  Ah yes, a message.  A very weak sounding Mr. Bill, "Don't know what's wrong, feel like crap, my stomach is killing me, these G-damn cells phones aren't worth a crap..I can't get you."  Yes, welcome to vacation time!   Further into the message...."I tried calling you in your office, you aren't there."  For the record, I was there, the ringing phone a figment of his imagination or the switchboard was screwed up!  I'll bet on his imagination, he was in pain, not a good thing for the Egg-Nazi.  We always joke, if he has pain, it's usually a given he will keel over and faint.  He tries not to, but it is usually check out time for him!

Sooooo, I try calling him..first the house phone, then his cell, no answer!  As I call info for the number to the local hospital, the God-blessed fog thicker than crap, the recording announces, "we will connect you for no extra charge, please press one."  Cool! as I creep along in the murkiness of the night...no ringing can mean only one thing....a dropped call!  We begin the process again.  This time making it to the hospital switchboard saying, please hold, I will connect you to the ER.  Cool!  as I creep along in the murkiness of the night...no ringing can only mean one thing...a dropped call!  I know I repeated the same thing,,,for a reason.  This process happened five times on way long ride home...each time increasing my blood pressure to unthinkable heights!  Just a few days again, a survey appeared in the paper.  A certain cell phone provider was rated as the worst!  Yes, it is MY provider, a national company spending millions on advertising yet I can't make a G-damn phone call to the hospital.  Realizing it isn't going to happen, I creep along hoping to find out soon, what the hell is going on.  Arriving I find Mr, Bill's truck in the driveway.  Cool!  I  head to the front door, the note attached to it.

Now we are about three and a half hours into the vacation, not good.  Finally I get a response from the critical care unit as the hospital, he is there, I can speak with him.  "I couldn't get in touch with you, these G-damn cell phones aren't worth a crap!"  You are absolutely, positively correct Mr. Bill, I'll be right there!  Off I go, the little man at the guard shack, looking rather strange at me.  This is same guy that always says,"out a little late tonight, aren't you Missy?" when I arrive home at these ungodly hours.  He hadn't seem me moments ago, I arrived as he was out making his rounds.  One can only imagine what is going through the little pisser's mind as I leave at three in the morning.  Betcha he didn't question the two guys leaving at one.  Probably gave them the thumbs up.."Go for it guys!"  Oh Bastard!

Talk About Habit-Forming!

Try as I may, no matter what time I go to bed at night, I wake up at two fifty in the morning, that is unless I am just getting home, which happens more than just occasionally.  Point being, for twenty two plus years, I arose daily at the ass-crack of dawn.....even the ass-crack was still asleep!  It seems to be a habit that I cannot shake.  Researchers agree, doing something continually for twenty-one days will form a habit.  So, it is pretty much a no-brainer as to why I wake up.  Even with my up and down schedule, the body clock is up and ready to go by three a.m.  It does present a problem when I arrive home at three, not too sleepy, I almost have to force myself to fall into la-la land, although usually three hours later, I am raring to go.  Too many consecutive days of that schedule makes the forty or so minute drive home, interesting! 

Mr.  Bill says he too wakes up at three a.m. daily.  I know it isn't to start baking muffins or bagel, he heads to the bathroom then to the refrigerator!  Never having been a person who grazes in the wee hours of the night, I don't get it.  First of all, you have to open your eyes to finds a snack, meaning I would be wide awake.  Another issue that would  signal a wake up, can't see two feet in front of me without my glasses.  Plant them  babies on my face, yep I'm awake.   Then there is the frig light, can't get past that blast of light...looks like frigging sunshine, signaling the body clock...MORNING!  So all this must mean I am a morning person, up and raring to go...perhaps. 

Much like enjoying the solitude of my long drives home in the darkness, I enjoyed the solitude of the early morning Fred's News routine.  Turn on the oven, aroma of fresh cinnamon sugar, cranberries, blueberries and all the fresh ingredients..then I became a grazer..popping the fresh fruit like candy!  It suddenly dawned on me our early morning patrons probably didn't spend half the night opening and closing the frig door or searching the cabinets for snack food..take note Mr. Bill, they slept and woke up READY!   On the other hand my early morning wake-ups probably were formed by my children in their infancy.  They preferred early rising...yes the ass-crack of dawn....OMG it is no wonder they still stay up half the night...talk about forming a habit...they were born that way! Either that or they knew something I didn't...preparing me for our future at Fred's News!

For all the Sensitive Tootsies!

Nice day, but if you want to get depressed really fast, watch the forecast for the upcoming week(my vacation week by the way)!  Canadian air mass surges south!  Just because forty percent of the neighborhood is from Canada, it does not mean they want a visitor, nor do their warm, sun-loving neighbors.  As of the moment, temperatures are fore casted to stay in the forties for Monday.  All this less than desirable weather arrives on Sunday, the first day of my vacation.  After speaking with old friend Dave Seatter this morning, my optimistic nature tells me, "it ain"t that bad!"  Dave announced it was five degrees this morning in Connecticut, I reiterated "has dementia set in, Mr. Seatter?"  Looking at the calendar, this is STILL Fall, those temps are not allowed for at least another month!

Today's local newspaper, chocked full of Christmas ads, a bit of daily normalcy around here, has a FAKE palm tree, at least six feet tall, decked out with holiday light!  Some how I can't bring myself to give up the traditional tree.  Yes, businesses go above and beyond when it comes to holiday lights, decorating every kind of tree, plant life or structure that will support those lights.  Don't get me wrong, it is absolutely gorgeous, but they also go to great lengths to create the atmosphere of the cold, snowy landscapes most often associated with Christmas.  So, why buy a FAKE palm tree decked out in lights...a no-brainer!

As for me, if we are talking Christmas trees, I love the real thing.  After having a conversation with another northeastern transplant today, I understand why she drives to HOME DEPOT, LOWES or WALMART and strolls through the live Christmas tree department.  Ahh, the scent of pine!  Thirty bucks for a "Charlie Brown" tree!  Keep the tree, I am heading to YANKEE CANDLE for pine scented candles!  Maybe, I"ll pick up cinnamon scented, cookie dough scented and apple pie aroma as well, no weight gain guaranteed!

Although, I will always have a soft spot in my heart for the real deal concerning Christmas trees, artificial became the way of life during the Fred's News years.  Living upstairs from the business, totally convenient, but  for those who lived with me, a total understanding of why we chose artificial...heat, heat and more heat!  I hate cold weather, being cold or even thinking I might be cold.  The average yearly temperature in our Baltic, Connecticut home, a toasty, comfy eighty degrees!  Good for me, not the Christmas trees.  If Guinness has a record of how fast a fresh cut Christmas tree can drop it's needles.....we far surpassed the record.  Oh, under normal conditions you say....that was normal for us!

Picking pine needles out of the rug, even with daily vacuuming, until at least May or June was not uncommon.  Many household member wincing in pain as a petrified dry needle, penetrated a shoeless foot, strolling through the "HOT HOUSE"!  Sooooooo....to correct the issue, artificial trees, complete with "snow" adorned our home.  Yes, the cold weather "electrical shocks" we all experienced increased, but better than a stab to the sensitive soles of the barefoot.  Fred the Dog, being most affected by the "shock" from the artificial decor.  Poor dog walked around the house, his fur standing on end with electrical charge, just waiting to be petted by some unsuspecting friend!  Fred looked like a baby chick with that fur all charged up! A good rub-down with a couple of clothes dryer sheets,  help rid him of that deranged charged up look.

As the holiday's passed, the tree and ornaments packed away for their long winter's sleep, out came the vacuum, ridding the rug of tinsel, fake snow( that crap not the easiest to pick up) and yes, those stupid little wire hangers for the ornaments.  At least now, that was the only thing that MIGHT remain in the carpet, attacking a  unsuspecting barefoot stroller.  May be I should set up the sewing machine in the same area, see if we can loose a couple of pins and needles..... what an evil woman!!! 

Questions Please!

Yesterday, I left work early, wanted to go with the Egg-Nazi for his second chemo treatment.  We were in an out in thirty minutes. Mr. Bill always asks me to let him ask questions...I know what he means...I don't always feel his questions are exactly what he wants to ask.  However, he is the patient and I must have patience!   By encouraging him to ask, it avoids him asking me a couple hours later..."What do you think the Doctor means when she says........had he let me ask, I could of answered his questions.  Ironically yesterday, the Doctor, nurse and myself were laughing about something and each made a comment, but we were all talking at the same time.  Mr. Bill, quickly turning his head from side to side, trying to tune in to each conversation, finally says, "one at a time please, I can only listen to one conversation at a time!"  We all laughed, saying "sorry, we forgot you are not one of us....we all know what the other was saying....it is called multi-tasking."  As he groaned and conceded, in an almost inaudible tone he says.."go ahead Annie, ask away!"  That look of defeat crossed his brow...never argue with a woman...let alone three of them!

As we left the Cancer Institute Mr. Bill looks at me and says "Oh boy, I feel different!"  "Like how?" I question.  "Sort of hot and burning."  To relieve his fears I explain, "the Doctor says that is normal."  A look of relief crossed his face..for now he fine.  We receive a call from a Connecticut letting us know friend, Ward is out of surgery, in the recovery room, everything is okay.  Mr. Bill signs with relief.  Conversations then turn to Ward.  When is he coming home, what will he experience, how will he feel, when will the final pathology tests be available?   For now, his mind preoccupied with his friends health and recovery, Mr. Bill is fine.

Cooking dinner together, he says "maybe tomorrow I will go with you, while you take care of your few obligations at work, then you can meet me at the Magic Kingdom."  Excellent Mr. Bill, good job keeping yourself occupied.  As we discuss the days activities over dinner, I wonder, will this be another week without the side effects from therapy?  As the evening continues, Mr. Bill seems to be heading to the bathroom more often than usual...Do I question him?  If he thinks, I am worried, he too will worry.  Hard to believe but I stay quiet.   I will worry in silence, I know another hard to believe statement.  When is the last time I kept my  mouth shut!

Ten o'clock, the night of the dreaded side effects is in full swing.   Mr. Bill laying on the couch...freezing.  He tells me, "everything hurts".  I remind him, some of the effects are flu-like symptoms,  he rattles off a barrage of questions in rapid fire succession.  I answer all to the best of my ability.  What I really want to say is "Sweetheart, why the hell didn't YOU ask the Doctor those questions?!"  Again I remain silent...I will remind him of that when he is feeling better.  It is not an "I told you so moment" but he needs to understand information isn't going to be given unless it is asked for...sometimes a tough pill to swallow.  About midnight he is hallucinating.....says he can't breathe and he is having a rapid heartbeat.  I check his blood pressure..NORMAL....heartbeat...NORMAL!   Hmm Mr. Bill is on bad drugs!  I did feel so helpless, it is not like me not to have an answer.  This continues for a few hours, by six o'clock he is asleep, I am awake.  He does not take the trip with me to Orlando.  The side effects are waning but he is exhausted...go tell!  I;m not my usual peppy self either....next Thursday we can count on HIM asking questions or I will.  He did learn a good lesson...I can handle it if I relax and there are more GOOD days than bad!  God love him!  Take a nap Mr. Bill!  

"Ice Possible!"

Okay enough is enough of this cold air crap.  Headed to work shortly after 4AM this morning, the car thermometer warning "ice possible"!  You have got to be kidding, I live in central Florida for God's sake, it isn't suppose to get this cold.  This will be our fourth winter down here.  I remember the first one...a frost early, but we were told, " not to worry, the first one in five years!"  Well four winters later and guess what, we have had numerous frosts ever year since our arrival.  Point being, either global warming is not happening in Florida, possibly people have no concept of time, maybe they don't know what the hell a frost is.  In any event, it is G-damn cold, flowers are covered, some will survive others not so lucky.  As the saying goes "survival of the fittest" or better yet "location, location, location!"

In Baltic, one expects cold, it is New England.  At least work was just down the back stairway...no car thermometer warning, "ice possible!"  Now that I think about it, we should have had a danger meter rigged to the back stairs.  "Ice possible" would have prevented the numerous injuries that occurred during our twenty three years up and down the stairs.  Luckily, none of those injuries, major, just embarrassing!  Amazing, you could tumble down the stairs at 3AM in the morning, someone seeing you, the silence of the darkness shattered, "whoa, hey lady, you okay?"  "Sure you idiot, it's quicker if I come down the stairs on my ass any way!"  "Of course not you fool, my pride is devastated!"  Mr. Bill and I tried to remember the trips, slips and outright falls by either us, the kids or family and friends.  It has always amazed me, how people, myself included, laugh as soon as they see you pick yourself up from a fall.  Is there some inner feeling, they know you are okay, or do you just appear that way.  If you laid at the bottom in a crumpled pile of bones, would they still frigging laugh?  Honestly, I don't know.  I know the evening, Grammy and Grampy Hastings attempted to leave a holiday celebration, macho Grampy says, "Edith (Grammy), let me go first, the stairs are slick, that way if you slip I will catch you."  Next thing we know Grampy's at the bottom, hitting his ass on every stair tread on the way down. "Grammy carefully selecting her words, "no, no Bob I'll be okay!"  This was after we all crammed back in the kitchen so Grampy wouldn't see us or hear us laugh! Grammy was the first one to snicker!  By the way Grampy was okay, just the usual sore ass, that resulted from this unplanned exit ride.  We'd all been there, done that!.  An "ice possible" warning would of prohibited this. 

One morning as I rushed around the kitchen, baking muffins, pies and preparing the soup for the day, Mr. Bill just exiting the bathroom, I decided to bring the food downstairs to the restaurant in small batches.  The thought process behind this...it is cold, stairs look frosty...why ask for trouble.  I grab the bowl of steaming rice (to be added to chicken stock for soup du jour), heading out the door.  I know I heard Mr. Bill laugh uncontrollable, as I bounced on my fat ass all the way down the stairs, hitting the drain pipe on the side of the stairway, it too making the ride down along side me.  Actually, I think it won the race to the bottom.  Was I hurt...f#*k no, my ass hurt, I was covered with steaming rice, my husband meekly sticking his head out the door..."Annie Potts (his endearing name for me), are you okay?"  "I heard that snicker you asshole, yes, I am okay!"  That not being enough...Stacy the fisherman, next door, just arriving home from a drunken brawl,  "hey Diane are sure you weren't out drinking with me?!," he manages to say, at the same time laughing like a fool.  What a complete idiot!!

However, what goes around comes around.  During construction of the new addition, Mr. Bill attempted to carry a hot bucket of potatoes down the back stairs.  I did not see the fall, nor did I hear the fall...I was witness to the results of the fall.  I arrived home from picking up product on a snowy winter afternoon.  As I parked the SUV next to the loading dock, the piles of snow that lines the driveway, from the hard and snowy winter, looked...different.  First of all these pile had to be at least three feet high.  I slowly peered into the top of the piles, numerous holes melted into the piles.  Upon further inspection, potatoes appeared to be in the tube like holes bored into the piles of snow.  This has got to be good, I assumed.  As I carefully ascended the slippery stairs, Mr. Bill appears, "careful Annie, those frigging stairs are slippery!  Of course, I laughed as he described how quickly the events unfolded...  this resulting inmore potatoes were cooking on the stove!  About fifteen minutes later he questions, "you didn't even ask how I was!"  More hysterical laughter on my part. "ice possible" would have prevented this and saved twenty five pounds  of potatoes as well!

It wasn't always the "big" stairs that caught people off guard.  One morning as Todd comes in the back door of Fred's News, he announces..."You should of seen the flip Mark just did off the back porch. When he landed, I think all of the air came out of his lungs!"  "My God  Todd, is he okay?!"  I guess so, he just laying there gulping for air!"  Mark appears at the back entrance, purple and really pissed off...yes he's okay!  "Ice possible" definitely would of been a plus!

There is a Story Behind Each One!

Yes, the house interior is decked out for the holidays.  Although the tree is small, it is decked out with our most precious ornaments, the keepsakes from Fred's News.  Ornaments given by patrons young and old, all carefully unwrapped,examined and remembered.  Still looking as lovely as it did on it's first Christmas, Mary and Scott Turner's handmade ornament made a successfully journey to Florida.  Styrofoam snowmen, thanks to Jordan and Taylor Nute, are now complete with their new twig brooms, their handiwork is still being admired. Pat Olsen and Mrs. G. also have ornaments on our tree.  Of course, our family has their special ones, even Fred the Dog still being represented and admired. Some have tarnished a bit, all have the gorgeous patina that only comes with age, but the memories hold firm in our minds and hearts.

Of course there were a few ornaments left at Fred's News.  One was a little snowman, his battery lasting almost ten years.  You simply pushed the button to on....."We wish you a Merry Christmas" plays loud and clear.  Funny, no matter where we put that ornament on the tree, youngsters never had any trouble finding it. That snowman, because of the noise factor and the hopes it would see many more Christmases, was the reason we left it behind.  Kids young and old looked for that ornament year after year.

Kathleen's burnt toast ornaments never made the Florida expedition.  It seems the second year of their existence was cut short by a nibbling mouse during the warm summer months.  That mouse probably could of dropped any "Fat Cat" after his summer of nibbling toast ornaments and four ears of carefully packed away Indian corn.  Little Bastard!! Some of my most precious handmade ornaments, are all hand-carved and painted by Kathleen.  These adorable Santa Clauses, all different, were a labor of love by Kathleen,  Every year, I received one,and yes I always felt so grateful to be on Kathleen's list. Such an artist, yet so humble.

One year, artist in residence, Kathleen decided to make a pineapple upside down cake for the annual Fred's News holiday party.  As her and Don entered the kitchen, hellos and hug exchanged, Kathleen showed us the gorgeous cake.  As she was handing it to me, she tripped, the cake flying to the floor, when suddenly , through fits of laughter, we realized the cake, a fake, had been made of foam and other materials.  The "icing on the cake", confectioner's sugar made it look all the more authentic.  God, that was a great joke.  During the course of the evening, Kathleen asking another party goer, "would you care for some cake?"  If the answer was affirmative, she hurled the cake at the unsuspecting Guest.  Screeches pierced the loud the din of the crowd, Kathleen, uncontrollably laughing!  It was great, we were just lucky, some of the invited old farts didn't have a heart attack!

No talking...I draw the line!

Looking back at my reasons for moving to the sunny state of Florida, I must say one of the biggest reasons was warmth.  I am not a cold weather person.  Yes, snow and ice can be beautiful, but it is the damp, bone chilling New England weather, we no longer wished to experience.  Today as I look around the yard, Mr. Bill's beautiful flowers are all in bloom.  I have just come from the Walmart winter wonderland, filled to the brim with exciting new products and plants for the holidays.  Poinsettias are only three dollars, but the impending cold forecasted for this week, makes me think twice.

I just finished cleaning the porch, decorating the table for the holidays, but thirty degree forecast for the next three to four nights mean....petunia, impatiens, geraniums, and tender tropicals will be crowding the porch and covering the table tops and shelves.  Any available spaces will soon house Mr. Bill's flowers.  It also means, spiders and ants, get out the bug spray!!!!!  Take out the bin of old material and sheets, time to cover the immovable ones...Mr. Bill grumbling at the thought.

We have had a frost every year we have been here, just that last year the entire winter was one big frost.  On the flip-side...last weeks' cooler morning temps has allowed the late maples to start showing their colors.  The reds fitting in with the season!  Hopefully, the covering of the flowers, will allow the floral garden to remain in bloom through the New Year.  Just like the Flowers of Fred's News, Mr. Bill, spends many hours preening and pruning "his lovelies"!  Neighbors ask, "what is the secret to your success with these flowers and plants?"  Mr. Bill, totally devoted to his flowers...."they are a living thing and need to be feed, watered, loved, touched and talked too, just as we humans thrive with the same TLC."  Okay but I stop at the talking thing....who would of thought, "No I am not talking to the flowers!"  I see some of the old farts out here talking as if there were someone right along side them...no they do not have beautiful flowers, I think they carry on with themselves.....so, I stop at the talking thing.  Wonder what Mr. Bill is getting at when he tells me this crap?  Hmm...interesting.

As I drove home last night or should I say this morning, arriving at 3:00am., just for the record I did not drive with the window opened, radio blaring, and soaking up the serenity of the late night sky...Instead, windows closed, heat on, soft Christmas music drifting through the airwaves.  The warmth of  heater, the coziness of the closed windows, the peacefulness and beauty of the stars shining in the almost winter sky....a slice of heaven after the crush of the crowds!!!!   Life is good, even with the Egg-Nazi's "bump in the road", our friend Ward says..."even with one upsetting season...there is beauty in ever season!" 

Red Bows, Red Lights and Red Heads...Love 'um!

Thinking of the holidays, that warm snugly feeling of everything good, invades the mind and body, allowing those special memories and moments to flow from the heart, if only for just the few weeks during the holiday season.  Once the days pass, these vivid moments retreat back for their long sleep, waiting to burst forth in time for the next season.   It is those little things that keep us united as family and friends, and yes, help us keep our sanity during the holiday rush. 

Although this year, has been jolted a bit because of Mr. Bill's illness, it has given us a time to re-think.  We love the hustle and bustle, the sights, sounds and aromas but suddenly without warning it is simply the most poignant and even trivial moments, that mean the most.  Yes, we've talked of Fred's News and friends, how it has affected ours and our childrens' lives.  Some stories outrageous, some heartwarming, some need to stay put in "the backroom" or in Mr. Bill's words "that memory is much like the "red-headed step child"...yuk"  Not fair Mr. Bill, I love red hair.  On that note...I am truly amazed at the redheaded young children I see daily.  Yes, my visitors are from all over the world, but these fresh-faced young children, with the numerous shades of red hair still truly fascinate me.

Recently, a young child, fascinated with the holiday decorations, wanting to touch everything, smiling and laughing, suddenly his face turned rigid.  I turned as he ran for his Dad, wanting comfort.  Dad, laughed, trying to soothe the child, assuring him Mickey Mouse dressed as Santa was truly a friend.  However, the young boy believed otherwise. ..yet his fascination for the character was genuine.  As I walked up to Santa Mickey, a high-five first, then a kiss on the cheek, the young child's death grip on his Dad, loosened.  Although, Santa Mickey and the young boy never made contact, a goodbye wave suggested perhaps a change of heart.  Later that evening Dad offered an explanation, his child, loved Mickey Mouse but was petrified of any character with a face mask....It did not have to be Disney, just any character, Smokey the Bear, Big Bird and so on.    Ah yes, I know a young person, Mrs. G's grand daughter, Jordan felt much the same way.  "Ain't no way, I am going to talk to them or shake their hand" Jordan adamantly would say.  One holiday season, the girls, Jordan and Taylor performed in the "Nutcracker".  Other students from their dance studio performing as well.  Jordan knew all the fellow dancers and the parts they played.  Yet, one was dressed as a mouse, which required the big face mask over the head.  Jordan, could be seen backstage speaking with her friend dressed as the mouse, minus the head gear.  Soon Jordan arrived at our side looking slightly disturbed....her friend was now a "complete" mouse, Jordan was now completely gone from her side.  Amazing those little memories, how they stick with us...one opening the door, allowing others to enter.. 

Party Time...Fred's News Style

Today Mr. Bill asked if I had thought much about a small Christmas party.  Not really, I didn't think he would really be up to it!  All this led to conversations of past holiday parties at Fred's News!  It started out as a small party for our employees, but as the years passed, it evolved into a massive gathering of food, fun, stories, more food and definite laughter.

These parties required weeks of planning and cooking, always worrying someone would be left out. Then of course, in New England, the weather also had to be factored in.  One particular party night, we had weathered a snow storm most of the day.  As the weather cleared in the late afternoon, the next issue, cleaning up the front and back area for parking.  Todd and his trusty old plow truck to the rescue.  Soon snow was piled high along the sides of the driveway, the area scraped clean.  The front sidewalk, shoveled and sanded as well, beckoned all into the warm, comforting dining room with its shimmering holiday lights and the aromas of all the foods ready for the hungry Guests to arrive.  It was a wonderful night, allowing all to forget the massive amounts of snow that had just been dumped on this small New England village.  I am sure the following morning, reality hit, as the winter wonderland turned to messy roads, salted and sanded, making every car look as though it hadn't been cleaned since it left the showroom.

I don't really remember the number of holiday parties we hosted, but oh, the highlights, we remember them well.  Son Mark along with Jamie and Jordan Jones. always decorated the tree, usually with Christmas Carols blaring in the background.  I sometimes wondered if we'd be ready on time for the Guests to arrive, but always, everything in it's place or at least hidden under or behind something else, out of the public view.  Of course after the party was over, we always went looking for something that had been hastily thrown out of sight.  One year, son, Chef Matthew made a gorgeous castle, entirely of sugar cubes, glitter, complete with it's own forest of evergreens, it was breathtaking.  He had thought about an ice sculpture or ginger bread holiday house, but the castle, so unique and so beautiful, it was photographed and talked about for weeks!

Of course the food...no party complete without an array of mouthwatering dishes.  Prime rib, turkey, holiday ham, lasagna, homemade baked beans, pork pies, luscious salads and cheeses, dips and oh the desserts, absolutely decadent.  As a gift, each Guest was always sent home with a plate of holiday cookies...a tradition at Fred's News.  Now I am beginning to understand why Mr. Bill thought of a party....the food!