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".