"Sick sense of humor" who Me!

Mr. Bill often asks, what are you writing about today?  Tough questions, sometimes I sit in front of the computer, begin typing and the words flow.  Other times not so much.  He jokes about the fact that I do tell many stories involving him.  True, he was a major player at Fred's News, great reason to poke fun of him.  He also asks, "do I make fun of myself?"  Probably would be my answer but Egg-Nazi stories are much funnier.  Beside in his wacky world, with his strange personality....if the shoe fits....ABSOLUTELY, I say wear it!

Throughout our years at Fred's News, we not only listened, served, befriended, got involved in almost all our patrons lives.  On the flip side many did the same to us.  Some left us much too early in their lives, others we watched grow gracefully old.  Never really thinking the same of ourselves, never really looking in the mirror, we were the observers, not realizing we were also being observed.

Our aging process, hopefully has been graceful, with a number of bumps, bruises, pitfalls, and dilemmas.  Thankfully by the grace of God, prayers for all and one helluva sense of humor, we have survived. Making fun of ourselves, became an art form.  To understand this statement, we will make fun of the Egg-Nazi.  In his early to mid forties, Mr. Bill developed cataracts. Although the eye doctor thought it premature, family history proved otherwise.  Surgery scheduled, replacement cook in place for the day, Mr. Bill and I head to Hartford Mount Sinai Hospital.  Doctor's orders, take the first muscle relaxer before we leave Baltic.  Dear God, Mr. Bill never really having had to take meds before, was the epitome of relaxed as we arrive at the hospital.  So relaxed, a wheelchair was provided just to get him from the car to the admissions desk.  Slurred speech, hallucinations, you name it...he had it.  Of course this"high" also meant at some point, there would be a "low".  Luckily it occurred as they strapped his head to the stretcher, readying him for the surgery.  "But you don't understand he moaned, I can't lay still for forty-five minutes, what if I have to pee?"  God love the man, they are getting ready to numb his eye with a needle, which he can see, but he can't do a thing about it, he is now feeling the effects of his notorious claustrophobia and all he can say is..."what if I have to pee!"  The lovely but no personality assistant's reply..."then you will have to pee your pants!"  As I laughed hysterically at his story, which by the way he did not find amusing, I reminded him, it could have been worse...what if he had to poop instead!  For the record, his second cataract surgery, less eventful, he was knocked out!

Although our children complained of "life in the fishbowl", it affected everything Mr. Bill or I did.  Again the aging process, certain things need to be taken care of, checked regularly, scheduling medical appointments also a major "big deal".  If it were merely a physical, no problem, but by age fifty certain procedures need to be done, requiring two people, the patient and the chauffeur.  Mr. Bill always very open about any procedure, constantly joking about it, hoping to make others realize some things are necessary.  We also know that his sick wit, merely a cover up for the wimpy nerves.  Doctor: "Mr. Hastings, we have scheduled a Sigmoidoscopy for you."  Mr. Bill: "A what?  Doctor: "A Sigmoidoscopy, which is an examination of the lower third of your large intestines including the rectum."  Mr. Bill:  "Ooookay, but why and definitely when?"  Doctor:  "You are fifty it is time!"   As the story goes, his Doctor explained the procedure would take place in the office.  He would be given a muscle relaxant, so basically he would feel not much.  All he had to do to prepare......An ENEMA!  Now Mr. Bill did share his story with the Fred's News Family, had them in stitches, but lying beneath the surface was his alter-ego, Wimpy Bill, just waiting to surface. 

I did assist my Bill with the preliminary procedures,  laughing so hard my sides ached.  Enema directions: hold liquid for three minutes.  As Wimpy Bill surfaced, he would of garnered a Gold Medal in the sprint, as he headed for the bathroom.  Forty five seconds was all he managed, yet his physician thrilled as the sigmoidoscopy began.  Doctor:  "Mr. Hastings, you did a great job, your colon, exceptionally clean, perhaps we should go a little further while we have you here."  Mr. Bill:  "You can thank my very SICK wife for that!"  Me:  "Well, sweetheart, at least now we know, you are not full of shit!"  That story told many times at Fred's News...each time, tears rolled down my face, as I laughed at Mr. Bill...tough guy!

Not a Visitor From My Past! Or Was it?

Just to rub it in a bit to all my friends currently residing in cold climates, today was eighty-five degrees, sunny glorious tropical "winter" weather, in central Florida...that's a na na na na na na, sent special delivery to the frigid north.  Currently there are many New England visitors at my place of employment, many coincidentally from Connecticut.  My name tag announces my former place of residence....Baltic, Ct. Some question, "I'm from Connecticut, where is Baltic?"  All one has to mention is the word casino, then EVERYBODY knows the general vicinity.  Few question, "Are you part of the Norwich-New London  area?" Of course it's easy to answer, "yes," but I prefer to say, "It is the largest of the three villages comprising the Town of Sprague."  A few look at you or better yet, through you, simply saying, "Oh that's nice!" Other's give you "the what the f*#k" look, quickly moving on.  Occasionally, one might get the reaction, "that's nice, never heard of it."  But I have never had a reaction such as I received today.  "OMG, you won't believe me, but I love Baltic, I met my husband there, I have friends that still live there, I go back every few years, I graduated from the Academy of the Holy Family, many many years ago, we would walk all over the little Town, sneaking away from the nuns.  This very lopsided conversation continued for some time, with my new found friend, emotional beyond words, totally thrilled she knew the village.  She mentioned Fred's News and how she loved the old Coca-Cola cooler.  I attempted  many times to ask her name, but she was on a roll.  She mentioned Sister Mercedes, Mother Theresita, Mother Alma, Sister Jude, Father Spindler and many others.  She NEVER took a breath, was completely overwhelmed she'd met someone from her past! Side bar here- I'd NEVER seen her before and although there have been times, I'd forget a name, I NEVER forget a face.  So as HER conversation continued, she mentioned long walks to the Baltic Reservoir, school dances at St. Thomas More all boys school, school mates, but only one local name, Denise, got to admit, I know a few with that moniker. I tried to figure her age, maybe forty-five to fifty.

As I attempted to question, the now gasping for air, slightly pudgy, middle aged woman, I received a call, I was needed in the dining room.  I quickly excused myself, asking her wait, I would return.  As I walked, I scanned the area for a familiar face, hoping for a glimpse of the man she had married.  Remember, he supposedly came from Baltic.  Finishing my business, I quickly returned to the scene of this strange meeting, hoping it would be my turn to interrogate.  Alas, this strange, yet intriguing , sort of, kind of middle aged, frosted hair, slightly rotund woman had vanished.  Puff gone bye-bye.  

As I looked around the area, I wondered, perhaps she would return.  She knew lots about Baltic, I knew NOTHING about her.  She knew Fred's News, yet hadn't really mentioned the owners.  As an investigator, I did pick up on the fact that she loved to smoke in the place, the Sisters wouldn't let them at school.  They way I figure it, that little tidbit covers about ninety-nine percent of the former students, so there's no following up on that lead!  Perhaps I will see her again, this time I will be ready!  One of my Cast Members approached me, "Diane, is that one of your friends?, She was so happy to see you!  She told me to tell you goodbye, they were flying home, she'll see you next time!"  Oh great, my new best friend, who I have never seen before, gets to tell me everyone she remembers during her earlier life, places she'd been, including my "home",(Fred's News), consumed food in "my kitchen", then a quickly as our friendship "resumes", poof, it abruptly ends, again!  Suddenly, I have a flash...."Did she leave a name? I anxiously question my Cast Member.  "Nope, she said "she'll see you next time and to tell you, thanks for all the memories, it was  so much fun talking to you!"  Ooookay, right! 
 

Out of the Mouths of Babes

 Although language skills develop through the years, some just develop quicker than others.  Accents also vary tremendously, yet provide a great conversation starter. Fred's News was located in the village of Baltic, Connecticut, where the French Canadian heritage is as "tick as da fog, dat lay on da rivair" (thick as the fog that lays on the river).  Moving from the small town of Franklin to MY first home ten minutes away in the Village of Baltic was very much a culture shock.  First, I'd never experienced village life, where people actually sat on there front steps, porch or in lawn chairs out in the yard.  Yes, my parents always sat outside but neighbors very rarely walked by.  We lived in "the country".  Occasionally a bike would pedal by or perhaps a neighbor from up the road a piece would venture out on a warm summer eve, but basically, it was nature that we listened to or enjoyed watching.  So, as a young Mom I enjoyed strolling through the village with my young son, quickly learning every one's name.  What I particularly enjoyed, the older French Canadian ladies.  They very much reminded me of my Memere and her sisters.  Although Memere vowed never to talk like "she'd just came down from Canada", her sisters did.  Always such a sweet sound, listening to these older ladies fuss over my infant son, was so peaceful.

In later years we would purchase Fred's News, many of the older folks no longer around, yet some of the accents remained.  Although, I hadn't really listened to anyone speak French Canadian in ages, there were bits and pieces that allowed me to get the gist of some of the conversations, while still remaining undetected.  Amazing some of the conversations I heard, at times wanting to correct the speaker but yet enjoying the eavesdropping.  Listening to the variety of languages spoken by the young female students at the Academy of the Holy Family also intrigued me.  Spanish, seemed so complicated yet as I listened, asked questioned and listened more, familiar phases repeated, eventually I was bound to pick up some of it.  I thought it a very fast language...although  between myself and Patty O. were can spiel a sentence in English at lightening speed.

Some languages are so romantic,  Parisian-French is such a language.  Although I cannot remember the exact year, the World Special Olympics came to Connecticut, each Town sponsoring a team from another country.  Mrs. G headed up the committee for the Town of Sprague.  Sponsor homes needed to found, interpreters, transportation and many other needs had to be met.  Sprague sponsored the African nation of Gabon where French is the predominate language.  The children that arrived, adorable, some quite shy, others, not so much.  Breakfast at Fred's News, part of their itinerary.  With the entourage of people that followed the group, Fred's News filled up fast, some of our regulars, helping as servers and crowd control, Thanks Glenn!  These children...lovable, excited eager to tell stories, what they had seen on their daily excursions, what they had done and how they had fared in the competitions.  As the interpreters explained to all the curious onlookers what each child said, I listened to the language, so romantic, so beautiful, it flowed from their precious lips.  I did not understand much, they spoke fast adding the excitement and pitch to their voices, made it all the more difficult.  Yet, one word and one word only not only caught my attention but of most of the onlookers, reminding us of the commercial "when E.F. Hutton speaks"  there was total silence, one could hear the "proverbial pin drop".  Phoque, the French word for the adorable sleek skinned animal, known as a SEAL, was the show stopper. Phoque pronounced f*#k, grabbed EVERY ONE'S attention.  With only a few select people understanding the child's story, one can only imagine what the rest of the onlookers though had just been blurted from this innocent child's precious lips  God love the child! Please forgive those that thought otherwise!

Winter Visitors!

Today's traffic in central Florida, mind boggling.  The Space Shuttle-Discovery lifted off just before 5PM this evening, but earlier in the day, it was bumper to bumper trafffic, with many a resident as well as peak season tourist, headed in the direction of Cape Canaveral, all hoping for a glimpse of the final launch of the space shuttle Discovery, truly a historic moment.  As I rushed home from work this evening, I made it just before the launch, however cloud cover down here in the Lakeland area, prohibited the long awaited launch from being view by all the residents of our community.  Any reason to party, the residents were lining the streets, hanging out on the balcony of the clubhouse, drinks in hand, looking to the East and waiting. A few visibly upset at the clouds, but most enjoying the eighty degree plus late afternoon weather.  The busy busy week began with bumper to bumper traffic, but this time all were headed to the Daytona 500.  Mr. Bill and I were headed to Disney to visit with Mrs. G and family.  It has been two years since we had seen the twins Jordan and Taylor, now lovely young tweens., while "sister cousin", Lena is an adorable bundle of energy,  growing like a weed.  So great to see everyone.  This upcoming weekend, a visit with Gracie-Baby, son Roger and friend.  This is like old home week, for Mr. Bill and I, a time to catch up on all the news that is the news in the former Fred's News Land!  Gracie-Baby now a full time resident in Florida, but has the luxury of spending time in both places if the spirit stirs her to do so.

Although this week has been flying by at warp speed, with little time to do anything, work had to be fit in.  Too bad, but priority calls.  Luckily a few schedules were moved around so I'd be able to enjoy our friends and be the gracious host, as they enjoyed the Disney experience.  It also gives me the opportunity to enjoy the wonders of Disney without having to "make it happen".

We joked about the our first visit to Disney with our sons.  Mark making the promise to himself,  "some day I am going to work there", so when he announced his intentions to leave Connecticut and follow his dream, you would have thought, I'd been ready.  Yes, I was proud, we didn't raise the kids to do what we wanted them to do, we raised them, to be their own person, seek out new "worlds" and options.  Yet at the same time, you never want to see them leave.  The first visit is hard, but then you realize they've grown, that's what you helped them do, grow, reach out, explore.  It is always so much fun to visit.  So, one would have thought, when Matthew made the same announcement a few years later, it would have been easier...nope!  The same fears and doubts yet enormous pride swells up inside, the tears, a combination a everything, needed to spill out.  On the flip side, within a couple of years, Mom and Dad leaving the comfort of their Fred's News home after twenty something years.....nurturing, helping, listening and loving all who ventured in and became a part of "the family".  It is not only our own family but the "family" of friends who truly are what Fred's News was all about.

   

Who Said...What?

Over the years Mr. Bill and I have had the opportunity to meet many people from all walks of life, with lifestyles, customs, opinions and language completely different than the "New England way of life."  Ironically, moving almost fifteen hundred miles south of New England, has given me the opportunity to better understand how visitors often felt, as they visited not only the oldest areas of New England,  then entered the Town of Sprague, stopping in the little picturesque village of Baltic and the strange but lovable unique atmosphere of that little place called Fred's News.  Dear God, what must have popped into their minds!  Hopefully, all they had been told or read about, readied them for that first visit, although I think not. 

Picture a first visit to Fred's News.....enter, everyone stares at you, continually.  An immediately feeling of inadequacy overcomes the body.  Men immediately look down,"Is my fly open", by the way that is another completely different story!  Women, would have that insecure look..."OMG what's wrong....with me. Do I have my wig on straight?"  You might at this point be thinking, what the hell is she talking about....for all those naysayers or non believers, please please remember the "wig sisters".  Lovable but old,"the little one", who did have challenges, would follow the older one.  They would regularly stop for a cup of coffee, "the little one" also enjoyed downing the entire contents of the creamer pitcher....but we must admit, their wigs always balancing precariously atop their heads.  Point being, one never knew what might pop through the front door, therefore, stares were the norm. 

Many people ignored it, some felt uncomfortable, others merely, "what the f#*k are you looking at.  Of course there were always the ones that WANTED to be noticed.  Please remember, "Miss two pickets to Titsburg".  A brief explanation:  Young woman, with ample cleavage, that like that ample cleavage to be noticed, always wore her personal garments made from highly noticeable colorful fabric, beneath her way too small,  light and flimsy made clothes.  Obviously,SHE wanted attention,which she always received.  Adding more fuel to the fire, she would let out a string of obscenities at anyone who stared at her attributes.  Early one morning, Mr. Bill telling one of his usual off color jokes, DID NOT see her arrive.  The joke happened to be about a "busty" woman.  Since this young woman craved attention, she immediately thought EVERYONE was laughing and talking about..... her.   Little Miss Piggy Mouth was livid, had she been able to scale the counter, Mr. Bill would have been dead.  The Egg Nazi was not really sure what had happened, as she screamed "What the f*#k are you talking about."  "Not much" he said, "just two pickets to titsburg".  Laughter ensued as all the gentleman in the place had heard the joke, while she thought he had slandered her, "I will sue your ass" she screams, which made the crowd laugh harder.  I truly thought about letting Mr. Bill get out of this one by himself, but to save my better half from bodily harm, I intervened.  As "two pickets to titsburg" ( she shall forever be known by that name), left, Mr. Bill says, "What is her problem today?"   He never really understood why she was so pissed off, she thought he was making fun of her.  Obviously, she thought EVERYONE talked about her and only her.   As for me, "Jesus, Mary and Joseph, Mr. Bill don't you know how to whisper!"  "What, what???" he questions, "I was telling the guys a joke.  It wasn't about her, it was about "two pickets to titsburg"!   Coincidental, maybe, but that could of been the "perfect storm."  No one had a clue of what the other was talking about, which by the way happened way too many times at Fred's News.  Which also brings up..."If you heard it at Fred's News, it doesn't mean the Egg-Nazi or I said it!" 

Some, Never Want to Change

Cleaning up old magazine today, sort of a Spring cleaning thing, I was about to throw out the Christmas catalog from Ll Bean.  Not that I ordered anything, they just continue to send it every year and in some sort of stupid way, my justification for not taking my name off the mailing list......"it reminds me of New England."   Although today is a beautiful winter day in Florida, a balmy seventy eight degrees, I 'm loving it.  Yet when the frigid north winds blow across this peninsula state, the cold can be downright bone chilling.  I can snuggle up with a "spot of tea", light up the pine scented Yankee Candles and thumb through the Ll Bean catalog.  That's about as close as I come to enjoying cold weather things. 

The last time I ordered from the catalog, a Christmas present for Johann, the Nephew.....Great!  I must of let my guard down, experiencing a sensitive moment as I listened to that opinionated , greasy smelling, junkyard resident, "I don't celebrate the holidays...to expensive!"  says the Scrooge like clone of a millionaire, that is wearing the most tattered dirty denim and flannel shirt, I have ever seen.  After telling him it was a disgusting piece of clothing, he laughs saying, "got plenty of years left in this jacket, as long as I don't wash it!"  Well maybe my decision to buy him a new shirt disguised as a Christmas present, was NOT a sensitive moment, just a good business decision based on the fact no one would sit near him!  Johann seemed genuinely thrilled as I offered him the brightly wrapped present.  As he reached for it, I tightened my grip on it..."it comes with stipulations!" I quickly blurted.  Knowing he enjoyed a good argument, his inquisitive mind would begin to awakened with all possibilities of a myriad of questions....."why a present for me?" Johann begins his interrogation.  "Don't think of it a a present, but a sound business decision," I continue, while appearing quite aloof.  Just mention business and Johann's ears prick up, much like my fierce night hunter, the Owl.  Mr. Bill's take on the conversation, "that boy perked up when you mentioned business, just like the old bull picking up the scent of his "girls" in the pasture!" Okey dokey, Mr. Bill, that's a visual and I am NOT liking what I am seeing at this point........Johann, sexual encounters....nope don't go there!  As his grip also tightens on the package, I sense he has taken the bait, it is now time to "set the hook."   In all honesty, it wasn't hard.  Johann, with his cold hard miser like persona, is still very much a child.  Over the years he had confided,  there had been special someone in his life.........when it ended, he chose to leave California, escaping the heartbreak......yes, buried away in that skinny, tattered and dirty clothed weirdo of a  we call Johann, is a HEART so sensitive, he prefers to hide it.  Let a child sit next to him, speak to him, ask him about all the dumb pieces of junk that hang from his belt, Johann is in his element.  Mrs. G's granddaughters loved to sit and talk with him.  He amused them with his homemade calculators, two-way radios, numerous electrical gadgets and brilliant and inquisitive conversation, all tailored to their young ears.  Johann, strange, ill-clad, and living in the past, although I am not sure what generation is the past for him, would of been a wonderful teacher.  As a gifted pianist, Johann never was challenged much as a child, we do know he marches to the beat of a very different drum.  Perhaps one he isn't aware of it either.

Yes, he does have heart, a respect for all things on God's lovely earth and is a "sucker" for a present.  It was a game we played, he irritated the daylights out of me, with days I prayed he stay away, but true to his form...much like the prodigal son...he returned!  He accepted my challenge...."give me your denim jacket, I will attempt to wash it.....if it comes clean, you may keep it.  If not...oh well!   Two things resulted from this business deal:  I burned the old jacket, it was NOT going in my washing machine; Customers actually thought he looked better, they sat next to him.  It didn't take him long to tire of his new found popularity.  As the weather turned colder, he must of dug up his old leather coat from the dirt basement of his Uncle home.  Once again seating was on the perimeter only, as Johann, the Nephew...Great, arrived looking much like Clint Eastwood in his spaghetti western movie days.

Our friend..Mr. Haggis

You think a restaurant, you think food....that's a no brainer.  You might think what chain is it.  Seems today's society is born and bred to think Olive Garden, Red Lobster, TGIF, are the best, it's what foods all about. Do you associate people with those places...not really.  Tourist areas are all about chain restaurants, not to say individuality doesn't exist, it does, you just have to search harder.  As a transplant, we do search for the local hot spots, they are numerous, yet if I were a reviewer of restaurant cuisine, very few would get the thumbs up.  It's just my preferences, I do not always rate a place, strictly because of the food.  Perhaps there should also be a restaurant guide for character spots, local gossip, ambiance, scenery and so on. It might just be that after a number of years in the area, we might find a place that "has it all!"

As characters go, I would hate to think the Town of Sprague has cornered the market.  I can now say this with the utmost love and affection, but Sprague's cup runneth over!  Thankfully, not all are home grown, the area has a tendency to import more "lovables" than necessary.  We laughingly joked at Fred's News about Town meetings, especially budget meetings.  More "concerned people" showed up just for these meetings, making it all the more interesting, providing fodder for many weeks worth of hilarious conversations.  There was a time, suggestions were made that Sprague could make money establishing a program called" Lend a Looney".  Rent out the characters to area Towns, allowing their Town Meetings to be more "colorful!"

At Fred's News, lovable, colorful and "different" characters were the normal everyday patrons.  Many felt it a safe haven, acceptance granted once you passed through the doors.  Not all of these characters came from Sprague, some just had "business dealings" nearby, but understood Fred's News had a corner on the "character market" as well as delightfully good food, ambiance, and that "down home feeling." 

Bill Haggis hailed from Vermont.  Not many knew his name, yet mention hoof cutter, pedicurist to the Spielman Farm's "girls", everyone knew just who you were speaking about.  No set schedule for Mr. Haggis, he'd arrive first think in the morning, looking like he'd just rolled out of a nights sleep in the barn with the animals, park his big-ass dirty "hoof cutter truck" in front of the place, plunk a stinky turd looking cigar in his mouth, give a half hearted wave as he entered, pick up a couple of the "scandal sheet papers", sitting himself down, alone in the "Paris Window".  Backtracking a bit, with a few clarifications: the cigar was not lit, Mr. Haggis said.."bad for his health!" "Really, so was the smell that followed him around like Charlie Brown's pigpen!" was my first thought, yet I rather smell barn poop than toxic waste. "Morning, decaf coffee please!  Don't want to get moving to fast, might hurt myself, that's bad for my health ,too" he mutter through the unlit stinky cigar dangling from he weathered lips.  "Just let me read a bit, wake up, decide if I'm gonna make it, then I'll order"  This conversation repeated itself numerous times during the many years Mr. Haggis sat at the "Paris Window"  Very much a gentle-spirited, man with a wickedly dry sense of humor, he was an observer.  By the obvious mass and girth of his body, he loved to eat. One morning he arrived just as we opened, everything, appeared the same, clothes, cigar, "barn smell", hair, what little there was sticking straight up, just not the untied cow poop covered boots.  They had been replaced with  extremely worn flip flop sandals.  "Not working today,Mr. Haggis?" I questioned.."Got to" he mused, "Just came from the Casino, they cleaned my clock, so here I am, ready to work another day!"  Well, that explained the flip-flop thing, he was "all dressed up!" The rest remained the same.  "I'll have four eggs over lightly, double bacon, home fries, dry wheat toast, please.  The little woman told me butter is bad for my health!"  OOOOOkay, there's a "little woman", he'd been at the Casino, "dressed to kill", I might add, and he's worried about his health!  Hmmmm, what am I missing.  God love the man, he will forever be remembered by his profound statement early one morning, "Missy why in the name of God do you let those farm-boys in here first thing in the morning....they stinky to high heaven, that's not good for my health!"  Here, here, Mr. Haggis, here, here!!

French Fries and Coke

Warmer weather states have lots to offer year round......in the way of outside activities.  Central Florida's weekly flea markets, quite numerous.  There is however, one that bills itself as Florida's oldest continual flea market.  Located in the small farming town of Webster, the population on Mondays increases by at least five hundred percent.  Much like the Brimfield, Massachusetts antiques flea market, just with a  touch of southern charm and many a "how ya'll doin?" thrown in.  Spread throughout the drive-thru town, not nearly the size of Brimfield, but as one "older than dirt leather-faced true Floridian gentleman" stated, "if you cain't (can't with that southern drawl),  find what yer lookin fer out in them there fields, then it ain't nowheres to found ma'am!" As we walked along, Mr. Bill made mention..."the old guy is right, will you look at this stuff!"  What did amuse us, Coca-Cola paraphernalia and lots of it.  Bottle caps, tin wall signs, old bottles, some of which looked like they had come right out of the old Coca Cola cooler at Fred's News.  Even some of the old wooden Coke boxes.  We joked, Fred's could use some sprucing up. 

That old Coke cooler that sits in Fred's News, one of a kind, with many inquiring prospective buyers making offers over the years.  For us, that piece of memorabilia was an intricate part of Fred's News.  Not so much its age, but what it stood for.  Returning friends, after years of absence from the area, always stopped at Fred's News.  Although much had changed, that old red Coke cooler still stood guard over the little place.  Even more unique, it remained in the same spot, just the rest of the layout changed. 

Every year the Academy of the Holy Family hosts its Alumni weekend, with former students returning.  Not only a time to reminisce about their lives at the school, but the bonds of friendship between them, many of which continue.  A common denominator for conversation starters, the old Coke cooler at Fred's News.  They laugh and giggle much as they did in their teen years,"remember how we hid from Sister Mary Jude, ducking down behind the Coke cooler?" "We used to sit on the end stools because we could see the cute guys that stopped in during the after noon for cold Coke."  All cherished memories of youth and the old Coke cooler.

One Sunday afternoon a young man stopped in for a visit at Fred's News.  As he walked in, he stopped looked slowly around, his eyes stopping at the Coke cooler.   "Yes, it is still here", he remarked with a sigh  of relief.  "I met my future wife in here back when we were teens.  Our first date, french fries and two bottles of Coke.  Today I am going to ask her to marry me, I just wanted to make sure the old Coke cooler still lives.  We are coming back later for french fries and two bottles of Coke.  I sure hope she says YES!"

As Mr. Bill and I walked the flea market, the afternoon sun, pleasantly warm, we agreed, Fred's News not only was our life but a very good and big part of our lives and that of our children.  I know they too can tell stories at a moments notice, when some bit of trivia conjures up a bit of cherished memory.  There is satisfaction and comfort in knowing, that little place touched so many lives......by the way, the young lady said YES!......Fred's News was a Constant Place.  

Everyday is Valentine's Day

After having worked with Mr. Bill twenty four seven for over twenty years, I'd say it is a pretty solid relationship.  Valentine's Day, the typical day to say "I love you" many different ways.  Yet, Mr. Bill a.k.a Chef Pierre, has always let me, DeeDee Gourmet know, love isn't just a word, it is our lifestyle.  To say our relationship has been easy......on the contrary....everything good, everything you cherish and want to keep, requires hard work.  Raising a family requires the same, meshing two families insane, but unequivocably worth it.  We look at each other, we've grown older, hopefully wiser but we've done it together, it's what we wanted, to this day it still requires work.  The Egg-Nazi uses the excuse that our years together have turned his brain to mush.......for the record, he let it happen.  His terminology "she's the boss, I'm the hoss", was really a "cop-out."  It was just easier for him to let me tell him what to do....of course I obliged, yes I am a control freak, albeit a procrastinating control freak.  My answer to Mr. Bill if he dared question:  "How come you haven't done that?"  "If you think you can get it done better and faster...do it yourself!"  I now realize he never rose to the challenge for a number of reasons; 1) If it wasn't to my liking, I'd let him know; 2) he might actually have to do the job all the time or perhaps, 3)  My way might just be the best way....God forbid!!! By the way we joke about this all the time.  As a retired person, he now has to do many things I normally would of done.  No, he hasn't balked at it, perhaps a little whine here and there, it does get done.  His frustration....over the years, he'd get irritated by my procrastination.  Best he not procrastinate.....payback can be brutal.

Today as we walked in the warmth of the beautiful sunshine, admiring the budding trees and fragrant flowers, reminscing about some of the disagreements we have survived, we agreed, there are not too many couples we know that have worked so close together for so long.  Most our age worry about being together continually in retirement.....for us, Mr. Bill was lost as I returned to the workforce, without him.  With confidence I can say......he rather likes it NOW!!!

As we returned home this evening after an afternoon in the sunshine, Mr. Bill questions, "Do you think there are many couple that marry on Valentine's Day?"  Maybe I gave him that "What the hell are you talking about" look, because he said "What, why are you looking at me like that?"  "For God's sake Mr. Bill, it's VALENTINE"S DAY!" I shouted.  "Has your head been in the sand, or do you really only read the sports page?!" As I continued blasting him about "such a ridiculously stupid question", his comment "You don't have to be so sarcastic, it was only a thought" made me realize what I have often said....For Mr. Bill and I, it is just another day.   We don't love each other more or less on any specific day, nor do we need a day to profess that love.  Although after my sarcastic comment, he did look a tad bit hurt...poor guy, I've got  to work on that part a bit...yes, Chef Pierre payback can be brutal!  Much Love, DeeDee Gourmet    

Home is Where You Are

"Today is the oldest you've ever been, yet the youngest you will ever be, so enjoy this day while it lasts." With that thought in my mind, did we enjoy the day? Absolutely!  Mid winter in Florida is fair time.  The Florida State Fair runs for ten days,although we have never been there, today a picture perfect day to change all that.  Not a cloud in the sky, temps in the sixties, it felt much like the Fall season of the Northeast, with a country fair every weekend.  Having never been to Florida's State Fair, today's visit. a pleasant surprise.  Yes, the cuisine...definitely a gastronomical nightmare, the "world village" area lived up to its' name!  The carnival hawkers, must travel the country, I do believe I've seen these people doing "their thing" on the New England fair circuit! 

We enjoyed the many buildings, with product from all over Florida.  The Fish and Wildlife building a complete source of agricultural info for us "northern folks!"   The 4-H building and Future Farmers of America building, brought back the "Farm boy" memories of Baltic.  Mr. Bill swearing some of the young people looked just like the Spielman boys from Baltic.  Central Florida, minus the theme parks, is all about agriculture, the young people thrilled to explain why it is and always be a vital part of the Florida economy.  Their dedication to a way of life......refreshing.  The Cracker Village, similar to a New England Sturbridge Village, is also part of the fairgrounds.  Most people think Florida, before the theme park era, was nothing more than a lush, mosquito infested everglade type land mass of a swamp....nothing could be farther from the truth.  Mr. B ill and I now reside in Polk County, the oldest in the State of Florida.  This year our county will celebrate 150 years, compared to Sprague, Polk County is a mere baby.  The Sprague Historical Society also ready to celebrate 150 years in existence.  Yet Polk County is all about its' past.  everywhere you look, people celebrate the  County heritage.....taking pride in the land, wanting to preserve it for their children.  Yes, I am a New Englander, I love the metropolitan areas of the northeast, the museums, the overall history of the area.  Yet it seems we forget much of it for the same reasons we love it...The progress, the cosmopolitan life, the hustle and bustle of city life.  The Sprague Historical Society serves the Town well.  I look forward to its milestone celebration, hopefully we will be able to join some of the festivities.

I see similarities between Sprague and Polk County.  In Florida, perhaps the memories of the way it used to be are still vivid in the minds of the older population.  Homes, now dot what used to be lush farmlands and aromatic orange groves, the recent recession making citizens realize....sprawl must be contained, not stopped but monitored closely......the same mistakes made in much more populated areas of this country, need not be repeated in Florida.   Sprague, with its Mukluk purchase, felt much the same way.  Much has changed in Sprague over the past 150 years, the Baltic Mills only alive in the memories of Sprague's senior population.  The white picket fences, tree lined streets, dance halls, numerous bars and small stores, now gone but Sprague still survives, the Historical Society poised to celebrate and educate having hopefully learned from their ancestors.  

A Postcard Picture

Many changes have come to the Town of Sprague, most in the name of progress, others, well let's just leave it at others. But I am a true believer in everything happens for a reason. Thinking back to the postcards that lined the walls of the once thriving little Fred's News, it appeared nothing had changed in the almost fifty years since the postcard of West Main Street had been produced.  The Fred's News building looked much the same, but the white picket fence at the Methodist Church, now gone.  The building itself, no longer a place of worship.  Bibiane's Dry Goods.......just the quaint little building remains.  Bibiane and her sister Camille, two of the loveliest little women, lived and worked in that small building for many years.  When I first moved to Baltic, I would visit them daily.  Not having any children of their own, they would rock my young son in the old rocking chair as they passed the time.  I very much enjoyed the short visits, watching them sew, kni,t crochet, or needlepoint.  The only time their hands were not busy.......cuddling a napping baby as they rocked.

Baltic, once a thriving small mill town has slowly evolved into a drive through village, no longer a destination.  New sidewalks, allowing its citizens safe passage on foot, are hopefully the beginning of a rebirth of sorts.  People exercise, hopefully neighbors will enjoy the company of each other as they walk along the village on the banks of the Shetucket.  The river in all its beauty, is one of Sprague's biggest assets and yes, perhaps some day it will once again be a destination.

Recent news stories of gas-line explosions, does make one wonder...how and why these things occur.  In the early 1990's, a natural gas line was constructed through the village of Baltic.  There were many informative meetings, citizens gathered, asking many questions, why? Why through our Town? In front of St. Mary's Church, St. Joseph's School, the Academy of the Holy Family, along West Main Street in front of Fred's News, 72 Degrees, the funeral home, convenience store.  The actual "business district " in the village.  It was basically for the big paper mill, Sprague's largest tax payer.  As the installation of the line neared completion, the new road construction began.  Something that definitely was needed, but with all things new, issues needed to be addressed.  Better roads, less bumps, faster speeds......school zone signs now needed to be installed.  With the new road and sidewalk, parking in front of Fred's News, now much easier, yet leaving the driveway of Fred's News was hazardous to your health.  Yet neighbors and ourselves...adapted.   Mr. Bill joked, "the warm and inviting park bench, with it's overstuffed bears and the gorgeous blooms of the "Flowers of Fred's News", now that slowed the traffic to a crawl!"  Although some businesses no longer called the Village, home...everything about Sprague is good.  As I live and work in central Florida, it always amazes me, the number of people that call eastern Connecticut home, know the Town of Sprague.  They talk fondly of it's picturesque river, campground, and the still intact mill homes.  Flea markets in Florida sell postcards from years gone by....I have seen the former Baltic dam, the Baltic Mills and the Academy of the Holy Family of yesteryear.  Perhaps one day......postcards of West Main Street, complete with Fred's News, will appear.

The Buzz-Man

 In the case of the "Buzz Man", the memories began some thirty eight years ago.  Matthew, nearly one year of age, already sporting a full head of hair, was in dire need of his first official haircut.  Although it had been cut many times by "Mom the Barber", it needed the touch of a professional.  Many times we had taken walks passed Buzz's barbershop, stopping for a quick visit and maybe a lollipop.  Each time telling the young toddler, someday we'd venture inside and he'd be able to sit in the big chair, just like the big boys.  With each walk, the process would be repeated.  The thought process being, if and when the day actually arrived, Matthew would be ready.  Fondly remembering my Dad's questioning gaze:  "How did that work out for ya?"  "Not the best!" I snapped, quickly adding..."Buzzy was the best!"  That he was, to this day, still is!  When on "his stage", the epitome of patience with children, sure to give them his "forever perfect...Donald Duck voice."  So perfect in fact, young children flocked to his side, as he dined at Fred's News.  "Please, please Buzzy, talk like Donald Duck!"  He always obliged.
An avid hunter and fisherman, Buzz always willing to add his "Fish Tale".  Mr. Bill tells the story of his first Salmon fishing excursion to Lake Ontario.  Although the Buzz-Man did not accompany him, strict instructions laid out by him, were followed by the newbie salmon fishermen.  "Yes, they all caught fish, yes, they had a great time, yes their guide was exactly as Buzzy had explained.....the rooms...not so good."  Mr. Bill sums up the accommodations..."We paid ten dollars a night for the room, it was nine dollars too much!"  Buzzy not to be outdone, "Did you or did you not ALL catch fish?" "Yes, Buzzy...but"  "No buts about it," he replies, "What did you expect, a bed and breakfast?  It's a fishing camp for God's Sake, and it only cost ten bucks!"

Quite the kind-hearted man, the Buzz Man..yes proud of his daughters, but definitely outnumbered in his own house, that at one time was full of females.  He would arrive at Fred's News every morning, pick up his daily newspaper, a cup of coffee, sit and kibitz awhile, heading up to the shop, usually greeted by someone waiting outside.  As Buzz would say..."That would sometimes set the tone for the day."  Yet Buzz is a steady a businessman as there is, a true supporter of "his" Town and synonymous with the word "Baltic."

Going back a few years, when I first decided to get a computer, (no not the stone-age), Buzzy did the same.  We agreed to take computer classes together, my son Todd announcing, "count me in."  Buzz and I laughed continuously, Todd driving me berserk as he sat directly behind me in class.  Stopping for coffee on the way home, we'd try to discuss the evening's lessons...mostly we laughed at Todd's antics, Buzzy wanting to "trim the instructors eyebrows and nose hairs.

New England winters can be harsh, every years "the worse" we've had.  One winter as cabin fever set in, Mr. Bill, Buzzy, myself and  friend Frieda, decided we swim once a week at a neighboring town's indoor municipal pool.  There again the thought process being....we'd be miles ahead of everyone else, working on getting in shape for warm weather arrival.  We swam, did laps and were diligent, each week working on our endurance.  God it was fun, it's just the coffee and donut stop follwing the swim class, that did us in.  Hey, hey intentions were great!  What better way to spend a long, cold winter evening than in the company of friends.

As we made ready for our departure to Florida, I felt a sense of sadness, not only because we were leaving the Town that had totally supported us, but family and friends as well.....Buzz Man still cutting hair, entertaining the kids, caring for his family.  We miss many things, this friendship and that special man Buzzy, will forever be cherished.

It's More than Just Cooking!

Last night while watching one of the hundreds of cooking shows broadcast daily, Anthony Bourdain questioned, "where do chefs go to eat after a busy day?"  According to Mr. Bill, who sampled most of Fred's News food everyday, "no one wants to see a skinny chef!"  Having gone from right around one hundred seventy pounds in 1986, to just below two hundred forty pounds a the time of our departure in 2007, I would say "that's taking it a tad bit to far!" Regardless of his over indulgences, Mr. Bill was like a walking, talking billboard.  "What's good for breakfast today, chef?" patrons would ask.  "Everything, but if you want something extra special, try some of Mom's Sausage Gravy and Biscuits, it'll stick with you all day!"  he would say with an evil smile.  It will stick with you more than all day, "over the lips and onto the hips!" were my thoughts.

Does anyone remember "Matt the Breadman"?  He visited us everyday, delivering all of our breads and rolls.  He began working just out of high school, taking over the delivery route in eastern Connecticut.  Originally hailing from Rhode Island, Matt was a character.  On his days off, he would ocassionally visit Fred's News, giving us the opportunity to meet family members.  It wasn't until he married a young woman whose Mom owned Charlene's Diner in Jewett City, that we soon found his restaurant family dining at Fred's. We, on ocassion, would do the same, yet our time was usually already accounted for.  Matt often mentioned they loved the ambiance as well as the huge breakfast sandwiches we served.  My question: Why didn't they serve the same.  He never answered, but my guess....to time consuming and costly.  I often said, our Guests didn't mind paying for excellent high quality food, they expected it at Fred's, we delivered.  Matt the Breadman's quote:  "Fred's News sets the standard for all small restaurants in Eastern Connecticut!"  I'm not sure about the quote but, hell it sounded pretty cool.  Wonder how his Mother-in-law felt?

Yet we were always visited by "restaurant people" from all over New England.  They'd actually let us know they too did this for a living.  One gentleman that lived in  Hatford, came in every weekend, ask a million questions, eat and leave.  One day, his friend arrived without him, confiding to us, he was going to make the same at his place today, that was why he wasn't in.  We laughed saying, "bout time he asked enough questions."  Two weeks later, both arrived:  "how was your new menu recieved? we asked.  "Well, it didn't taste like yours, exactly, but I thought it was pretty decent until one of my customers said,  hey you ought to visit this little place in Baltic, I think it's called Fred's News, now they know how to make a GREAT breakfast!"  Evidently our friend didn't ask enough questions!  Silly man, good food and fun, were the results of two very passionate and caring people!

Replay all Things......Super Bowl!

Alas, the Super Bowl is over, at least for another year.  Although we attended a Super Bowl Party, enjoyed the company of friends, Mr. Bill's team, the New York Giants, were sadly not a part of the festivities.  The citizens of this community hail from many different parts of this country and abroad, the majority however, are from the mid-section of the United States.  Pennsylvania has its share but Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, and the Cheese Heads, (Wisconsin) are the majority.  Sports rivalries, especially Football, run deep.  For the past week, Cheese Head apparel had been sighted on the golf course, club-house and coffee shop, while the Steelers yellow "terrible towel" adorned many a golf cart.  Yet, I sensed the Cheese Heads to be more laid back....did they "know" in advance the outcome? Am I in the "conspiracy theory" domain of Mr. Bill? Or was the reason for the laid back attitude....just, "I will wear this stupid block of cheese on my head, but if I am more reserved maybe know one will notice.  Regardless of the reason, at this very moment...the ass-crack of dawn, the community is awake...Cheese Heads from every corner are now heading to the coffee shop with the "nah, nah, nah, nah, nah" attitude.  Mr. Bill having to work at the golf course this morning will witness this event.....sadly (with a broad smile), I will not.

What I do miss...the lively conversations  directly connected to these events.  One could always count on their cup running over with next day sarcasm.  Before anyone would arrive at Fred's News, we diligently read every article related to the event.  Mr. Bill and I discussed what "side" we each would be on, careful not to offend anyone.  I know that may come as a shock and surprise to many.....the Egg-Nazi offend....go tell!  But we always figured the good guy bad guy approach.  He was ALWAYS the bad guy, it WAS all about image. Something along the lines of his favorite saying: She's the BOSS, I'm just the HORSE thing.

Admittedly, some of the conversation, vicious, but a great way to be up and running.  Much like taking your car up to the "quarter mile drag" strip of highway, revving up the engine, burning some tire and punching it.  Instant high, blood rushing through the body, great way to start the day! 

As for me, I just adore the Super Bowl...commercials.  They are either great or ridiculously stupid.  Last evening the categories did not change.  By the laughter from the party attendees, DORITOS, won the Super Bowl of Commercials crown, with PEPSI a close second.  Sadly, as the votes were tabulated, CHEVY finished last.  Perhaps after last years Betty White SNICKERS commercial, we expected more.  Although they were okay, others were far above them.  BUDWEISER again....great job, but my personal favorite, the little Darth Vader wannabe for VOLKSWAGEN....."The Force be with you!"  As we watched, listened and laughed, this was also at the game, we suddenly realized the genre of many new movies being released shortly,,,,SCI-FI.  Are they trying to tell us something, doomsday...December 2012!  Just kidding.  Just wait till next year!

Paths That Have Crossed

Over the years, Mr. Bill and I have been very fortunate, meeting people from all walks of life, different cultures, young and old, many with different beliefs, but all have had a very profound impact on our lives. A few years before we purchased Fred's News from "the Brothers", our children attended St. Joseph's Catholic School in Baltic.  Mr. Bill a non-Catholic decided his son Todd should also attend the Catholic School, with my two younger sons, Matt and Mark.  As the boys grew, Mr. Bill coached them in many sports.  He also coached the Academy of the Holy Family all girls high school basketball and softball.  Sr. Mary Jude, the athletic director hailed from Puerto Rico, was a fiery Latin personality, but the Egg-Nazi and the good Sister became a great team, him with his knowledge of the game, her with the intimidating demeanor, "no one walks all over my girls team".  It was a sports marriage made in heaven!

As the years passed, we purchased Fred's News, our free time, now gone, extra curricular activities ceased. Yet the the students and Sisters of the Academy of the Holy Family and St. Joseph School, always remained a part of our family.  Perhaps this is why the Nuns allowed the students to frequent Fred's News, sort of a "safety harbor" for the girls.

Many years after his coaching duties had ended, Mr. Bill and I were still visited by some of his former team.  One in particular, Lizzie Kasenge, had arrived at the Academy of the Holy Family from the country of Uganda.  Along with one of her teammates, Mary Kiganda, they were what Mr. Bill called the Ugandan Connection. After graduation, the girls went on to the college of their choice, Mary eventually returning to her country, to help her people.  Lizzie staying in the United States married,  had children, her daughter also attending the Academy of the Holy Family.  Lizzie would always arrive at the school, then head down to Fred's News for a visit.  Her affectionate name for the Egg-Nazi, "Mr. Coachman".

Yet, it was not only the students at this international school, that helped us to understand cultures from other parts of this vast world.  Richard and his wife Marge frequented our place for many years.  Richard hailed from Australia, bringing his visiting relatives to Fred's News.  They brought us menus from down under, we returned the favor, Fred's News menus now part of some one's scrapbook in the Southern Hemisphere!  Jimmy's mother, sisters, brother-in-law and family, all hailing from Northern Ireland, also Fred's News regulars, when visiting the America.   Jim would always let us know of their imminent arrival by announcing "his bed (home) and our breakfast (Fred's News) was now open for the season. Yes, there we others as well, Glenn and Solange's relatives from Brazil, nephew Moise staying for extended visits, always enjoyable conversations at Fred's.

After our departure from Baltic and relocation in Florida, we often talked of our many visitors.  Occasionally we'd remember someone that only stopped once in passing, but there was always something about the conversation that was memorable. The bus driver from Wales, his stories and accent outrageously funny, perked up the early morning hour, leaving us asking for more conversation.  The bicycle rider, touring the New England States from Great Britain.  He was looking for place with beautiful flowers and great pie and ice cream.  His visits, once a year, but a vivid part of our memories.

As I began my second career at Disney, numerous opportunities to learn different cultures, their languages and people have been given to me.  Yet each time one of my Cast Members returns to their homeland, a part of me returns with them.  Yes they have touched my life, it is my hope I too have been able to give them something to remember.  Just this past Friday, Jingzhou Liu (Justin) asked me if I would give him his college program evaluation.  An outstanding young man, with one of the most respectful personalities, all part of his culture.  Justin came to this country from Shanghai, China.  When I first met Justin, he was enjoying his time here, but admitted missing his family, even shedding a few tears of saddness.  We talked often, I encouraged him to make friends, "Mr. Shanghai" had no problems with that.  In his months here, he has grown, he turned twenty-one, but never forgot what his parents have taught him, they must be so proud.  Justin returns to China in a few days, now visiting a friend in Louisiana.  Hopefully we will see him again someday, yet we know Justin will make a difference in whatever it is he chooses to do.  He told us, it was the Chinese New Year, a new begininning for him as he returns home.  When I read the Chinese proverb:  If you want one year of prosperity, grow grain;  if you want ten years of prosperity, grow trees;  if you want one hundred years of prosperity, grow people,  I think of Justin and the many others who I have crossed paths with....the world is a prosperous place indeed! 

It was Red-Neck Heaven !

Barbecue in the South is in itself, an art form.  If you have watched the Food Channel visiting barbecue competitions, loved the program and thought it might be something you'd like to attend...just do it.  The Egg-Nazi and I visited "Smoke on the Water" in Winter Haven, Florida.  Mr. Bill tasting, beef brisket, ribs and pulled pork....his vote, the pulled pork.  We did not stay long, the crowds outrageous, the noise, even loud for Mr. Bill's deaf ears, and the smoke, tough on the eyes.  But....it is one of those things we can now say, been there, done that.

Larry the Cable Guy would of been "at home" at this event.  Absolutely one hundred percent, "Red-Neck Heaven".  Let me say, this is not a place for the faint-hearted, fastidiously clean grill master.  What caught us totally by surprise, public health or the lack of.  To think what people in Connecticut must obtain prior to any food event, permits and health inspections all required, all in the name of food safety, today would of given any food inspector a major coronary attack.  This was a gastrointestinal nightmare.  On a positive note, this was probably in the top-ten social events of the season....for a Red-Neck.  By the size of the majority of barbecue attendees, they do this often, very often!

The participants work to improve there overall standings.  They travel cross America competing in one barbecue competition after another, some traveling in the most sophisticated RV's.  Others looked as though their accommodations and equipment had been fashioned from the junk that once cluttered the front yard of Johann, the Nephew...Great.  Now that I really think about it, Johann's junk might be an improvement for some of these homemade cooking units. Yet, as we watched these people consume everything barbecue, that includes alligator tail, drink beer, down monstrous strawberry shortcakes, then repeat the process numerous times, I don't think food safety was high on their list of priorities.  I would think if someone had a booth for antacids, they'd of raked in the big bucks today.

We now realize that much like watching these competitions on TV, "ya really gotta be there!"  Mr. Bill's golfing buddies had talked about these events, calling them the best food they ever tasted.  I will keep my opinion to myself.  Yes, we live in Florida, we love the sunshine, the healthier lifestyle, this not being one of those better choices, yet it was enjoyable from the people watcher stand point.  Every shape, size, age, ethnic group and anything else different attended this event.  I believe they were all there at exactly the same time we arrived.  Today's gathering benefited the local boys and girls clubs in the area, our main reason for attending.  Florida does many things for it's young people.  It seems the more priviledged are ever so dedicated to making life better for those that have little to look forward to...I applaud these volunteers and their undying committment to help their neighbors.  As a side bar: Johann, the Nephew...Great, would of felt quite at home today, there were many that resembled him.  Maybe he is just living in the wrong area of the world.....they say everyone has a twin, this however, reminiscent of the "Twilight Zone", there were many Johanns.

Good News!!

Today a glorious day in sunny Florida.  After a very foggy start, the sun appeared intermittently, but the temperature still soared to a balmy eighty degrees. Although the Egg-Nazi and I did not spend much time outside, the air conditioned halls of the hospital, felt as though we had returned to much colder weather of the Northeast.  "Are you comfortable Mr. Hastings, Mrs. Hastings is there anything we can get for you?"  Absolutely, turn the heat on!  I understand, cool temps at the hospital insure the best possible environment for all the "state of the art" equipment.  What I don't understand is how do people work in such a cold place?  Dear God when blood is drawn and it doesn't even want to ooze from the puncture wound, doesn't that tell you something.....too damn cold, the blood knows where it is a tad bit warmer, preferring to stay inside the body. 

We arrived at the hospital this morning around eight.  Surgery was scheduled for around ten.  As is the norm, "things happen", schedules go awry, Mr. Bill feeling much like "the kindergarten child left on the bus...alone."  "Oh you're still here?" quips one of the outpatient staff.  "Excuse me, but YOU put me in this room, saying someone will come and get you.  Guess what, I'm still here!"  replies a tired and somewhat uptight Egg-Nazi.  Personally, I thought he did great....not his usual sarcasm.  I know his feeling is "don't piss off the people who control your immediate destiny...yet."  But the stars were aligned, the mountain of well wishers prayer offerings and by the grace of God....Mr. Bill's bladder looked great!  His Doctor reports.."no signs of cancer cells but many biopsies were taken.  Results will be in next week.  He will still have to endure three more chemo treatments for precautionary measures, with return visits every three months "to play peek-a-boo up the old ding-willy."  This is going to be his lifestyle for at least the next two years.  If we can hold the cancer at bay, the visits will be stretched out.  So, regardless of where or how long we spent with the hospital walls, the news.....outstanding, the gratitude to all of our well wishers, concerned family and friends, we can face anything, for we are all in this together.     

What's Wrong With Me!

Obviously some of the things that wander aimlessly through my mind, pop out when I least expect.  People who know me need take only one look........"Yes, she's having a moment!"  God love my job, yesterday as I am making my rounds, heading toward the pool bar, in eighty-two degrees, perfectly sunny breezey weather, (just a reminder for you Northern folks!), an older man, whose physique resembled a slightly large overstuffed chair, sat precariously on the edge of a groaning chaisse lounger.  Probably might not of noticed, but, it was, the BUTT!  Dear God Carpenter Crack in all it's glory.  I do understand people on vacation, what they do and  how they dress, not their normal behaviors and wardrobe, it's a time for their alter-egos to run free.  Hey, hey they need a vaction too!  Many times I have heard (in Fred's News) comments from certain gentlemen, the Egg-Naz and co-hortsi included:  A shapely female walks in, short skirt, "tiny hiney" (Male term), my God look at those legs, they go on forever!   Not to break the trance of the shapely female, BUTT fat guy on the groaning chaisse lounge...Carpenter Crack that amazed!!  It went on forever, can't imagine where and oh God NO...don't care to know where it ended!

This whole stupid thought IS about Carpenter Crack.  If one happens to be a Carpenter Crack aficionado...yeah....Fred's News was like the Patagonia for bird watchers!  Sorry!  For the record..we will blame it on the stools. Carpenter Crack is mostly visible with the male species, bellying-up to the bar, they straddle the stool, learn forward, elbows on the counter,(sorry MOM), forgetting to pull their G-damn pants up!  Such was my friend on the chaisse-lounger, wet bathing suit, fat gut and butt, no thought about ass-coverage, resulting in severe Carpenter Crack.  One must trust me on this subject...I have seen many shapes, sizes and....well maybe that's enough....we ALL understand!

Ladies, you are not immune, although a rarity, their have been sightings!   Unlike the male Carpenter Crack, the female, knows it's making it's debut, so....they deck it out in all it's glory...yes, the thong!  With a variety of colors, fabric and dear GOD, size, it is the ultimate whistle call....over here, yoo-hoo look at me!  Again Fred's News, the perfect viewing medium.  Saturday or Sunday mornings, many high school students, low rider jeans or roll top sweats.....deck that baby out with a valentine red thong or leopard spots....Patrick, Jimmy or Alex, ALWAYS offered to clean tables!  They too, had a way of relaying their findings amongst themselves, so as not to be too obvious.  It did make me a little nervous when they'd laugh and say, "Which one does she have on today?"  TMI overload!

 

Was it...Just Time?

Have you ever looked at people, I am sure the answer is yes, but I mean really looked at people?  Have you tried to enter their inner soul, imagining what they are thinking at that precise moment, both Mr. Bill and I, guilty on all counts.  Our Fred's News' years afforded us this opportunity on a daily basis.  We laugh,our children often calling it just plain nosey.   In a sense, I admit to the charge, but we both find "what makes people tick", not only interesting but gratifying.  Yes, the kids bought us a scanner one holiday season, I truly believe it to be payback for all the times we received calls concerning their whereabouts, but because of our great ability to listen to people, it was also an expectation of the public.  Just call Fred's News, they are reliable, they will know.  If not, maybe they will find out.

Our business survived for many reasons and although people may not of always agreed with our "politics", they trusted us. When "the brothers" decided to sell Fred's News, it was not a spur of the moment decision.  Emil, knew his years in business had afforded him the same trust...he would choose wisely, passing "the torch" to the Egg-Nazi and I.  In a sense, if "the brothers" approved, so did our patrons.  Mr. Bill working over two years with Emil until, he felt "the time was right."  As we moved towards our twenty year mark, we too felt it time to look.  We had built a great reputation, none of our children wanted to carry on, our search began.  Many came, not really interested, Mr. Bill called them "simply inquisitive."  The day our decision was made, two very interested prospects visited Fred's News....one a young couple, how they wanted to raise their children and carry on in a small town where they hoped "life would be good." The second, a woman who'd been in "the business", many years.  She envisioned changing lots of things, making it better, calling it her place.  After long deliberations, we chose the young couple.  Their sincere conversation, to make it their own, carrying on in the tradition of Fred's News, hoping to "help" the Town grow, caught our attention.  We had been all about our Town, no one had ever mentioned that part before.  Sadly, we chose wrong, something we think about daily.  Yet another part of me says...."was it time?"   Perhaps since our decision was incorrect, the situation remedied itself.   Yet we both still feel an immense sense of guilt, maybe only time will heal that.

Thinking back to some of our former patrons, I wonder if they too carry a sense of guilt about decesions made in their lives..Some spoke of these decisions.  "I gave up my child. I was much too young,"  "If only I had locked my front door, it would of never happened," "we never talked, I tried, . now nothing but regrets."  Yet life continues, we "adjust", working our way through these times, the bonds of friendship and love, strong, knowing perhaps....."it was just time".