This and that from Maryland's Eastern Shore
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Now a Senior Center in Stafford Springs, CT, this aged old building was my first assignment as a trooper with the CT State Police 43 years ago. Back in the day it was known as “Troop C.” It was here on 27 August that an ORF gathering took place. ( Old Retired Farts)
We had a mother hen who kept us up to date with our reports and kept us out of trouble. Her name was Anne Fitzgerald. Anne is well into her 80’s and brought us back together under her motherly umbrella for a final Swan Song for her, so she said. She let us know this was her last official act. Anne, thank you for all you’ve done for me and many others through the years. It was a wonderful event and I thank you.
I brought my wife along on this venture. She was a real Trooper, just smiled and hung in there as war stories were told amonst old comrads. Thank you my dear for being a part of my evening, you rock.
The following article from the “Hartford Courant” will give you a background on “Troop C.” This is the new and improved home for the troop.
STAFFORD — After 72 years of housing cops and crooks, the state police barracks on Route 190 will close this weekend.
The Troop C barracks is moving to new quarters in Tolland.
The troopers and other employees will bid goodbye to a cramped 1920s-era two-story building. Sunday will find them working in a state-of-the-art facility with nearly double the space.
“Hopefully, things will happen very smoothly,” said state police spokesman Sgt. Dale Hourigan.
A moving company will start transporting equipment and other items Saturday morning and everything is scheduled to be done by Sunday afternoon, he said. During the two days Troop C is in transition, the old and new building will be staffed.
“We’re not going to upset or diminish our capability to respond,” Hourigan said.
By 4 p.m. Sunday, the Stafford barracks will be empty, Hourigan said.
Residents and officials in Stafford said they will miss having the barracks so close.
“It’s a nice, secure feeling to have a barracks full of troopers,” said Peter Gibbs, who was walking along Main Street.
“We’re losing some good neighbors,” said Michael Robinson, president of the Stafford Chamber of Commerce. “We wish them well.”
Citizens say they’re not worried about how the barracks’ move will affect the policing in town, mainly, because the town set up a resident trooper program in anticipation of the move.
A state resident trooper, Dan Herman, two full-time constables, and nine part-time constables patrol the town.
Robinson said they are a visible presence in town.
“I see them all the time,” he said.
Dock Sellers, who was a former borough warden during a time in which the borough had its own police department, said most residents won’t even notice the change.
“Most people in Stafford have never driven to the barracks and have no reason to,” he said.
All the policing is done on the roads, anyway, he said.
“They don’t have to walk,” he said.
Built in 1923, the Stafford barracks was constructed of stone and clapboard.
At one time, the troopers were required to live, eat, and sleep at the barracks. That practice ended in the late 1960s.
The building won’t be abandoned for long if town officials have their way.
As a result of a 1989 special act of the state legislature, the barracks and the three acres would be transferred to Stafford.
Plans are to turn the building into a community center. Part of the old barracks would be a center for senior citizens, while another area of the building would used for a youth center, First Selectman John Julian said.
Senior citizens now gather at the Golden Age Club, while teenagers in town usually hang out on Main Street.
The plans depend on whether the town receives a federal grant, Julian said. The town applied for a federal Small Cities Grant. The town is eligible for $500,000.
The new phone number for the Tolland barracks is 870-9500 or 1-800-318-7632.
The badge I took into retirement with me. Proud to have served and to have been part of the “Thin Blue Line.”
Two old friends, Charlie Vanderscoff and Sterling MacPherson. Your back was always covered with these two around.
On Sunday morning we head north to Maine and on to PEI, Canada. Lots going on back home also that I’ll attempt to get into print. Once again, thanks for stopping by to take a gander at my chicken scratch.
I got a whole bunch of steps in as the Mrs., the granddaughters and I spent over an hour on the mostly shaded trail on a grand walk. There were old, young, walkers and bikers, a little old lady pushing a baby carriage, and many dog walkers greeted along our adventure through the woods.
The Rooster and the granddaughters pose for the camera.
Granny and the girls under I-84.
Such Talent
Various signs along the way gave the walker the history on how the rail line functioned in years gone by. My family from the 20’s thru the 50’s had a long history with both the Pennsylvania Railroad and the Pennsylvania Seashore Line.
One great Uncle was in-charge of the mail car that ran each night between Scranton and Altoona, PA. Back during WW II another great-uncle was an engineer on a coal train that ran from Camden, to Cape May, NJ. I can remember sitting on a stool in my grandmother’s house and listening to stories from times gone by. One such story told, surrounded the expert marksmanship my uncle dad with a pistol. It seems the railroad armed the crews as they traveled the tracks adjacent to the coast, German submarines you know. As the train would pass farms that were fronted with picket fences close to the tracks, many would have empty milk bottles seated there awaiting the Milkman’s pick-up and delivery. Ready, Aim, *FIRE*, target practice would commence as the train passed. Any missed bottles would remain for the Conductor and Brakeman back in the Caboose to pick off should they be worthy enough to do so. My uncle always had a bit of a twinkle in his eye when he told his stories, especially that one.
So my friends there’s a bit of history for you, should the rails of old be of any interest. That walk with my grandchildren today rekindled such great stories I was told as a youngster and it felt good sharing it with you.
Thanks for stopping by as our adventure North continues. Writing early, and writing often, I remain,
We are still in CT. Hung with the grand-kids last night while son and wife took eldest son David to Logan on way to Dublin. Nice the parents got some alone time and a meal out. They sent the below pic, looking across the water from Logan to downtown, Boston. You just gotta love sunsets. I do like the rises also, ” Yep, here I am again” I say. Thank you Lord for another day in paradise.
The Boston skyline.
Eastham Bay, Cape Cod, MA, looking west across Cape Cod Bay at sunset. Our son and family were vacationing there last week. There are not a lot of east coast USA sites where the sun can be viewed setting over the water. In Maryland we have Fagers Island in Ocean City that looks across Assawomen Bay. As the sun sets, the “William Tell Overture” plays. It’s one of those, you had to be there moments.
Today we venture out on a hiking path with two granddaughters to get some exercise and outdoor time. Yesterday I did the treadmill, I’ve gotta keep that Cardio Rehab going strong. I certainly don’t want to go backwards.
I was catching up on the back-home news and saw the below article from the Baltimore Sun, I just had to share. It is certainly not something that will be on my menu.
Brian Shenkman was at the Ohio State Fair when he saw a vendor dishing out deep-fried, bacon-wrapped Oreos. Now, he’s bringing the deep-fried delicacies to Maryland.
“We tried it and we loved it and thought we’d bring it to the East Coast,” he said.
This year marks Shenkman’s 21st as a vendor at the Maryland State Fair, where he dishes out deep-fried foods alongside an array of candy from the Bulk Candy Store tent.
His offerings change from year to year, and the bacon-wrapped Oreos are this year’s newest addition. The Oreo is first fried alone, then wrapped in bacon and fried again for a sweet-and-salty finish.
“It’s like having two scoops of ice cream,” Shenkman said. “It doesn’t get much better.”
Other popular items include deep-fried grilled cheese, deep-fried peanut butter and jelly, deep-fried Buckeyes (made of chocolate and peanut butter) and deep-fried cream cheese — Shenkman’s favorite.
Last year he offered fried cream cheese larvettes — yes, bugs — for the first time, and he’s bringing them back again this year.
“It’s like having a warm bagel with cream cheese and little crunchy things in them, and if you don’t realize what it is you’d never know,” he said.
Everyone asks Shenkman how many calories are in each of his crispy creations, he said. He reassured customers that if they don’t finish the last bite, the calories don’t count.
“We save all the calories there for the last bite,” he said.
Take a look at some of the deep-fried offerings in the gallery above.
It is day two of what we are calling 51st honeymoon. It will be a two week travel adventure through DE, NJ, NY, CT to start. I write this on day two of our trip, we are at our son’s home in CT, we shall be here through Saturday when we attend a reunion at my old State Police troop in Stafford Springs. A bunch of old retired farts telling past war stories, another lol. This Sunday we head to Bangor, ME, Monday Moncton, BC then on to Charlottetown, PEI, Halifax, NS, Saint John, BC, Bucksport, ME, Portland, ME, CT, and finally home on the 7th of September.
Who was that just asking what 51st honeymoon meant? Did you ever see 50 First Dates?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/50_First_Dates
Take a gander at the trailer, a really cute movie. https://www.amazon.com/50-First-Dates-Adam-Sandler/dp/B00190L018
Now we have not experienced brain trauma, we are up in our years, were married 51 years ago, and a lot has flown right out and over heads. So, we are just following the script that I somehow programmed into my Garmin Express. I’m going to make a concerted effort to post early and often, kind of like voting, and to keep you all up to date on who, what, when, and where the Rooster and his bride are.
Awoke to 47f/54%rh this AM, already a great first day wake-up.
Today our son and daughter in-law head to Boston with their oldest child, David. David is a college senior and heads out late today from Logan, IAP to Dublin, Ireland and begin his senior year with a semester abroad. He’s already completed one semester out of the country having spent it in Montreal, Canada.
Learning to speak Irish with an Apple
After a quick tidy up of the house we were out the door at 0615 and on the road in our Subaru Forrester for a 360 mile trip to Tolland, CT. We will R & R there until Sunday when we head to Canada.
We had a Golden Arch breakfast in Bridgeville, DE, Got cheap gas at a stop on the NJ, Tpk ., Gave the attendant a $2.00 tip, you can’t pump your own in Jersey, and ventured across the Hudson river via the Lincoln Tunnel. I usually take the George Washington bridge but travel warnings were predicting a 45 minute back-up. 1010 WINS to the rescue.
When you exit the Lincoln you are in immediate chaos of people, traffic and horns blowing. You’re adjacent to the maze that is Port Authority Bus Terminal and the Theater district. After a left on 43rd st we headed to the river and then north on the West Side Hwy. and on to CT. We would pass the Aircraft Carrier Intrepid Museum on the way. Many years earlier the Mrs. and I were lost below decks when on this ship for an open house while it was being decommissioned at the Philadelphia Navy Year.Old memories rekindled.
For Lunch we would pull off the Merritt Pkwy. in CT and make a stop at a Panera Bread in Fairfield for lunch. This is one of favorite stops when traveling for a great mid-day meal. After lunch we would get some steps in and walk a bit and make a stop at a Pier One Imports store. No buys here. If you remember the lady of the house is disposing, not accumulating.
Not Bruce Springsteen, but the Boss none the less.
Our next stop was in Newington, CT at Stew Leonard’s grocery store. If your ever on the Berlin turnpike, take a few minutes and take the adventure that is Stew Leonard’s.
Nine hours later and four stops we got off the highway at our old, 20 years, home town of Vernon, CT, and traveled familiar roads for a few miles to our sons home in Tolland. A great day, little traffic and a welcoming home. You can’t ask for anything more on your first day of travels. Thank you Lord.
Once again thanks for dropping by the chicken pen. Remember to vote early and vote often. Feeling a little like Charles Karault today.
CNN.com
3 Day Quote Challenge
Someone I follow http://www.thejourneyofamillionmiles.com/ is taking part in a three-day quote challenge by https://thechickengrandma.wordpress.com/category/farm/. Here I am jumping in on day two. I was inspired, and especially want to share my favorite quote of all times which is so meaningful to me.
I have an issue with individuals who can’t make a decision. Have you ever been in a restaurant and someone at your table says “So, what are you going to order?” Then they hem and haw, ask everyone around the table the same question and wind up saying, “Well, I just don’t know what looks good.” For crying out loud, “MAKE A DECISION”. It just drives me crazy.
I also think of those members of the Thin Blue Line, of which way back when, I was a member. How will any hesitancy in their coming to the crosses in the road they deal with, effect if they get to go home at the end of their shift.
The photo is courtesy of http://www.singingwiththespirit.com/2014/09/05/the-fork-in-the-road-sept-7th/
Here is an all-inclusive list of Yogi’s quotes:
1. “It ain’t over till it’s over.”
2. “It’s deja vu all over again.”
3. “I usually take a two-hour nap from 1 to 4.”
4. “Never answer an anonymous letter.”
5. “We made too many wrong mistakes.”
6. “You can observe a lot by watching.”
7. “The future ain’t what it used to be.”
8. “If you don’t know where you are going, you might wind up someplace else.”
9. “It gets late early out here.”
10. “If the people don’t want to come out to the ballpark, nobody’s going to stop them.”
11. “Baseball is 90 percent mental. The other half is physical.”
12. “Pair up in threes.”
13. “Why buy good luggage, you only use it when you travel.”
14. “Nobody goes there anymore. It’s too crowded.”
15. “All pitchers are liars or crybabies.”
16. “A nickel ain’t worth a dime anymore.”
17. “Bill Dickey is learning me his experience.”
18. “He hits from both sides of the plate. He’s amphibious.”
19. “I always thought that record would stand until it was broken.”
20. “I can see how he (Sandy Koufax) won 25 games. What I don’t understand is how he lost five.”
21. “I don’t know (if they were men or women fans running naked across the field). They had bags over their heads.”
22. “I’m a lucky guy and I’m happy to be with the Yankees. And I want to thank everyone for making this night necessary.”
23. “I’m not going to buy my kids an encyclopedia. Let them walk to school like I did.”
24. “In baseball, you don’t know nothing.”
25. “I never blame myself when I’m not hitting. I just blame the bat and if it keeps up, I change bats. After all, if I know it isn’t my fault that I’m not hitting, how can I get mad at myself?”
26. “I never said most of the things I said.”
27. “It ain’t the heat, it’s the humility.”
28. “I think Little League is wonderful. It keeps the kids out of the house.”
29. “I wish everybody had the drive he (Joe DiMaggio) had. He never did anything wrong on the field. I’d never seen him dive for a ball, everything was a chest-high catch, and he never walked off the field.”
30. “So I’m ugly. I never saw anyone hit with his face.”
31. “Take it with a grin of salt.”
32. (On the 1973 Mets) “We were overwhelming underdogs.”
33. “The towels were so thick there I could hardly close my suitcase.”
34. “You should always go to other people’s funerals, otherwise, they won’t come to yours.”
35. “When you come to a fork in the road, take it.”
Sources: Los Angeles Times, Baseball Almanac, Baseball Digest, Catcher in the Wry (Bob Uecker), Sports Illustrated
Once again, thanks for stopping by.
My wife and I are back in our old stomping grounds of Connecticut where we lived for twenty years and raised three children until 1988 when we moved to the Eastern Shore of Maryland. My wife has spent a good deal of time up here for the past several months using her past nursing skills to care for my sister. As we await her sunset, many gather to remember all the good works of this Nurse of so many years. Many laughs are being exchanged in her presence and she smiles continuously. The door opens and old friends continue to fill the room.
We were quite close when living in Connecticut, as a matter of fact we were next door neighbors for eighteen of those twenty years. Our three and my sister’s two children had two sets of parents and one was always present. A parental eye was always watching and by the grace of God all five kids turned out great.
I was fortunate last week to hitch a ride with a daughter and granddaughter and get to spend some time here also. I’m also playing hooky from Cardio Rehab. My niece is flying in today from Alaska to spend some time with her mother and we shall soon venture back south for a short respite. The grass needs mowing, we will pay some bills, catch up on some appointments and head back north in due time.
The north end of the NJ Turnpike was a cheering and beeping frenzy of Columbia Futball fans traveling to the Meadowland’s Stadium for a soccer game.
While here in the evening, the shade and hanging flower baskets create a gravitational force that lures us to our son and daughter in-law’s front porch.
The Porch
A cold beverage, usually a wine and beer help to relax us from what becomes a stressful day at times. I must also mention the open aviary this porch has become. Entertainment has not been lacking the past week.
Two large hanging baskets adorn the porch each filled with robust red flowers. You would think that Hummingbirds would be common, not the case. Sparrows have built a nest in the north facing basket.
Into this pot the birds fly.
Last night my son took the below photo of the nest and we were surprised when a rogue appeared among those of the sparrow.
The rogue egg sits.
An educational search ensued and this is what we found.
The Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater) is a brood parasite, meaning that it lays its eggs in nests of other species. A female cowbird quietly searches for female birds of other species that are actively laying eggs. Once she has found a suitable host, the cowbird will sneak onto the resident bird’s nest when it is away, usually damage or remove one (or more) egg, and replace that egg with one (or more) of her own (watch a cowbird laying an egg in a Northern Cardinal nest on NestCams). The foster parents then unknowingly raise the young cowbirds, usually at the expense of their own offspring. Cowbird eggs require a shorter incubation period than most other songbirds and thus usually hatch first. Cowbird nestlings also grow large very quickly. These advantages allow them to command the most food from their foster parents, usually resulting in reduced nesting success of the host species.
Brown-headed Cowbirds are native to the United States and prefer open grasslands, as well as agricultural, urban, and suburban habitats where grain or cattle-disturbed soil are readily available. Historically they followed herds of bison, eating insects kicked up by the animals’ hooves. It is unknown whether they developed their breeding strategy because they had to move frequently to keep up with the bison herds, or whether they were able to follow the herds because their breeding strategy gave them the freedom to do so. Expansion of agricultural areas and removal of forest cover have greatly benefited this species by providing more overall habitat and by giving cowbirds access to new host species that have not developed defensive strategies against nest parasitism. While it is clear that cowbirds have benefited from forest fragmentation, their role in population-level declines of many forest birds is less certain.
The cowbird does not depend exclusively on a single host species; it has been known to parasitize over 220 different species of North American birds and therefore spreads its impact across many populations. Although cowbirds have been implicated in the population declines of several rare species, such as Kirtland’s Warbler and Black-capped Vireo, habitat loss and fragmentation likely play a much larger role in causing songbird declines. This is evidenced by the fact that cowbird control alone did not increase populations of the endangered Kirtland’s Warbler; only when cowbird control was combined with habitat management for young Jack Pine forests did the warblers rebound.
Because cowbirds are native to the U.S., they are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and in most instances it is unlawful to use lethal control without a permit, including the removal of their eggs from a nest. However, unpermitted control of cowbirds is occasionally permissible under special circumstances outlined in the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Additionally, in some states, such as Michigan and Texas, permits can be obtained to trap cowbirds to protect endangered species like Kirtland’s Warbler, Golden-cheeked Warbler, and Black-capped Vireo. Please check with your state’s wildlife management agency for local regulations.
Some species, such as the Yellow Warbler, can recognize cowbird eggs and will reject them or build a new nest on top of them. Those species which accept cowbird eggs either do not notice the new eggs, or as new evidence suggests, accept them as a defense against total nest destruction. Cowbirds may “punish” egg-rejectors by destroying the entire nest, whereas it is possible for egg-acceptors to raise some of their own young in addition to the cowbird young (see Birdscope 2008).
This fledgling Brown-headed Cowbird dwarfs the adult Common Yellowthroat acting as dad.
To deter Brown-headed Cowbirds:
This cowbird egg (top, left) was laid in an Eastern Bluebird’s nest, inside a nest box.
Note the cowbird (being fed) has a very red gape and has opened its eyes, setting it apart from the Wood Thrush nestlings with whom it shares this nest.
How do you know if you have cowbird parasitism to report in your NestWatch data?
Once again the Rooster thanks you for stopping by.
No, not the one down in the Gulf of Mexico soon to invade Florida, that would be Hurricane Colin. This storm would be on the Eastern Shore of Maryland if I didn’t get the house ready for the return of the Mrs.
After being up north, Connecticut, My Lady returned last week. In the nick of time all the Honey Do’s were wrapped up. Fresh sheets were on the bed, the table was cleared of clutter and I escaped any thought of a storm. The Hoover did a great job as well.
Things did change immediately upon her arrival. Healthy Eating 101 was back in style, no more subs from Jersey Mikes. Hey, they were quick, and I love the shredded lettuce. The cat would once again get to drink from the spigot, it took me the entire three weeks to break the feline from jumping up while I shaved. Simon says, “turn on the water. Please!”
Google Images
Notice the placement of the clothes pins, equal distance apart. Oh yes, part of the hanging and folding ritual. Folding is a true art form. The center line fold sets the demarkation point for placement on the bed. The Tri-fold for the pillow cases shall be exact. Must be something she was taught back in nursing school in the early 60’s. She was never in the military. She could starch a pair of Utilities back in the day though. Gotta be an old Marine to understand that one.
The first thing this morning I got the Sheets and Pillow Cases on the line. The chickens provided some much-needed oversight.
I consider myself a multi-tasker. Love the Zagg keyboard on the iPad by the way.The late Pat Conroy and I have something in common, no, not writing skills, though I wish. We also lived in Beaufort, SC at one time. We carried our four-month old daughter to the pool in a Schmidt’s, quart beer case for a late night swim . We had a piece of screen over it so the Skeeters wouldn’t eat her up. That was back in my Marine Corps days. Mr Conroy’s dad was a Marine also. Wow, two things in common. The book behind the coffee cup is WordPress for Dummies. My Journal, two years continuously in September I proudly state, is under the iPhone. The shoe horn is used to fit everything in my bag, quickly due to herself’s pending arrival.
In chatting with the wife a few days ago she said, “I’ll bet there are all kinds of electronics and wires all over the dining room table.” “No” says I,” Just the normal place setting.” Liar, Liar, tongue’s on fire
Gotta get the place looking like it did when she left three weeks ago. Otherwise there will be one heck of a storm brewing
Well, I survived and it’s been great having her back home, if only briefly. She will return to CT soon and give my sister a helping hand as she mends a broken hip which was surgically repaired yesterday. We’ve solved all the world’s issues on our front porch while enjoying a cold glass of wine. I’ve gotten some gardening done, Pickling Cucumbers for one. My Lady shall be canning come September. And once again “The Hallmark Channel” graces the TV. Other than a Nat’s baseball game, it was not on during those three weeks.
So please note, I can correct disarray in a flash and shall have a chance to do it all again soon.
Thanks for stopping by.
Forward
Because we have had three wonderful children, nine grandchildren and so far three great – grandchildren, thus the 3-9-3. That third number will change as the family does grow. At the end of Alex Blackwell’s posts there are always share prompts. If you follow the Roster’s blog regularly you’ll know I share and forward. Alex Blackwell has once again said it well and I shall not clutter things up.
I have left Ireland, the sun shines on the Eastern Shore of MD, and this is my blogging venue for today. We are back in Summer time mode. Could my friend Robert Lambert Jones III have been whispering in the ear of Helios?
Other than to say, God bless my 3-9-3, their mothers and fathers and thank you to all who help them grow. Enjoy the read and thanks for stopping by the Chicken Coop.
From the hand of Alex Blackwell, The Bridgemaker.
Mary Beth turns 50 next weekend and we’re heading to Atlanta to celebrate.
When considering what my wife wanted to do for her milestone birthday, there was no hesitation: Let’s visit Brandon, Ashley, Blair and Baylor.
It’s been five months since we’ve last seen our oldest son, his wife and our two beautiful granddaughters. We were there when Baylor was born. Since then we have had to settle on watching our granddaughters grow and change on Facebook and Facetime.
But in less than a week we get to hold them – play with them – kiss them, and love them.
Along with excitement of going to Atlanta, is the awareness that I’m still learning how to be a good grandfather. My role as a father will never end, so I’m discovering how I can continue to be accessible as a parent while having plenty left over for my grandchildren – now and in the future.
But being a Papa is easier than expected because my son and daughter-in-law are great parents. And since I’m not responsible for the girls’ day-to-day needs, I think being a good grandfather means I can spend my time offering them love and the little bits of wisdom I’ve managed to collect over the years.
So, as I prepare for next week’s visit, and many more visits to come over the years, here’s the wisdom I plan to share with my granddaughters:
There will be plenty to celebrate and cherish next weekend. Though our time there will be short, no doubt it will be filled with plenty of laughter, good food and lots of love.
One more thing I’ve learned is there’s something beautiful, even magical about the sight of a new family growing together. The sweet anticipation of the present moment, and the moments yet to come, create an energy so full of hope that its power, if bottled, can overcome any difficulty.
I can’t wait to add more to what’s going into the bottle so it can be dispensed when needed.
I awoke this morning at 0550, which is in the usual time frame of when I arise daily. On this day I knew I must be Irish. As I glanced out the window, clouds and rain were present once again. The 53 degree temperature outside had made the house cool, especially when one is in drawers and a Tee shirt.
The view this morning out the window.
I would go to the living room and get a fire going in the fireplace. Thanks to modern technology I had only to click a button on the starter gadget to get the propane to fire and bring instant warmth were you to stand in front of the flames. Twenty eight yers ago I would have been stoking a fire in the old Nashua cast iron stove in Connecticut.
In a month’s time we have had twenty-two days of measurable precipitation and our mean temperature’s have been 58f for a high and 48f for a low. One morning we awoke to a frost covered lawn and 35f. Oh yes, it’s Ireland, just 3,239 miles east of Galway is all. Please, let me experience some sun. Oh to sit outside in the garden and have a pint.
I consider myself a writer. I’ve been blogging since 2008. I started on Google, http://thefidd.blogspot.com/ was my moniker for the first seven years. Lots of stuff posted about family, friends, travel and such back then. It’s all retrievable should you care to take a look. Learn who El Jefe is and where he spends his time in this shrinking world of today.
I’ve branched out a bit since moving here to WordPress last year. I guess, thanks to the weather and the feeling of my living in Ireland that would make me feel like an Irish writer. Nothing to the tune from the likes of Beckett, Yeats, Joyce or Ian MacPherson from this hand, although I wish. I do add words to paper, ok, it’s the Mac, but that makes me a writer, right?
I’ve been to Europe on several occasions, Germany and Ireland to be specific. I’ve gotten to Ireland twice, most recently, not as an “Accidental Tourist.” “The Accidental Tourist” was an American film featured in Baltimore, MD, my home state and adapted from the novel of the same name written by Anne Tyler. The film came out in 1988, my first year to blog, thus the significance. Means nothing of course.
Our most recent trip to Ireland by my me and the wife was this past December. We traveled with a dear friend by the name of O’Leary who’s mother hosted us for a week. No touristy stuff, we were village people. The town was Kilkenny, we had mist and rain, cold and blustery and it felt like Maryland in May. The house we stayed in was warm, had a fireplace, a wonderful hostess and five pounds gained of great food. Marios is a great place for Fish and Chips if you’re ever in Kilkenny. Yep, I’m Irish and a writer and I eat like one and enjoy a pint now and then .
While in Kilkenny we shopped one day at a pottery, “Nicholas Mosse” is the name. Bennett’s Bridge is where Nicholas Mosse calls home. It sits along the river Nore, just down the road a piece from the town. It seems our host’s wife Lexi has a love for this pottery and has numerous pieces about their home. It being the Christmas season, why not get some shopping in says our host.
Me wife, standing in the rain. I just noticed, she was spending her euros also. Notice the bag.
Since I’m not much into pottery, or shopping for that matter, I would find an alternative means of occupying my time. Located on the second floor of the pottery was a quaint little Cafe. Some coffee, a sweet roll and a table by the window would serve me well. I’d read the local paper and gather material for the next blog. While the shoppers shopped, the writer researched. In Ireland on a rainy blustery day I might add a few words to a future best seller. Oh the dreams that exist. The coffee was fantastic and so was the view by the way. I’m really in Ireland and I’m writing.
The Rooster reading the local tabloid.
Yes, in one respect as far as I’m concerned, and the Weather God has made it such, I’m an Irish writer, even on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Ireland has her Cliffs of Moher. Maryland has her Calvert Cliffs.
Ian MacPherson has a new book out. The only one living of the lot I mentioned.
You can get it here. > 
The dedication inside the cover reads like this.
For Maggi
my one wish –
that we die together
at the age of 96
making love
with all our children
at the bedside
That’s the dedication. Isn’t it truly, truly beautiful?
And they say great poetry is dead!
THE BOOK OF BLAISE
‘He is a standup comedian with an acerbic wit, leaving you breathless with laughter at the sheer absurdity of life, and his life in particular. To say that his act is based on things going wrong is like saying that Genghis Khan was a warmonger. It gives you the idea, but does not indicate the sheer scale of the enterprise. And The Book of Blaise is the Everest of absurdity.’
FOR THE JOY OF READING
‘Kick Myles Na GCopaleen into the next century and you’d get something like Ian Macpherson – the same eye for absurdity, the same ear for wordplay’
David Robinson: Emeritus Literary Editor – The Scotsman
‘The Book of Blaise is the unapologetically personal account of one man’s struggle with the superiority of women, specifically his wife Blaise. It’s the funniest book I’ve read since… his last one.’
NORTHWORDS NOW
Yesterday was an exciting day for me, I was to attend my first Cardiac Rehabilitation class. On Monday I had the mandatory Stress Test to evaluate my ability to physically perform in Rehab. Somehow I passed the test, God knows I did not study. I’m guessing the 4,000 – 7500 steps I’ve been taking these past two months aided me a bit in that regard. I’ll get to that 10,000 step level before long. Keep putting one foot in front of the other Rooster.
I’m on my own for a few weeks. My wife has headed up to Connecticut to be a companion to my sister. My sister is having some health issues at the moment and my wife is out doing her Corporal Works of Mercy. It is a calling with this woman I married, she is amazing. It’s not her first walk around this block. My wife is a retired nurse as was this sister and another sister I have in Virginia is a nurse also. I also have have a daughter who is a nurse to add to the flock. If you are ever ill and are surrounded by women in this vocation, you shall get no pity. Just ask this writer. Oh, and just to mention, my mother in-law was a nurse also, God rest her sole.
Prior to leaving the house I wrote myself a note, “Remember Milk” it said. I usually place these reminders in front of the Speedometer of my car. A wise Lawyer once said in a Criminal Justice class I attended many years ago, “If it’s not written down, it didn’t happen.” At my age, in this time of my life, if it’s not written down it’s not going to happen.
Now my wife who is several months younger than I, she writes little to nothing down, remembers groceries and such to include several weeks of stock in the larder. She will not need a shopping list to feed 37 at Thanksgiving. Her only memory loss, the placement of speed cameras on the roads she travels daily to get to the store. These edifices never move, they are stationary on cement pads. Do not pass go, do not collect $200. Send $40 to the appropriate municipality. I’ve recently learned that there are several other ladies who have the same lapse in memory in our town. You are not alone my dear, I love you just the same. Write the check Rooster.
Upon my successful completion and survival of my first Cardiac Rehab session I gingerly walked to my car, got behind the steering wheel, and there was the note. “GET MILK” it said. I checked the wallet and had a twenty, no problem right? I mean whats a half gallon of milk cost, a twenty will surely cover it.
I pull into the local grocery store, in this case it was Giant, yes the same Giant with the easy scan self checkout machines. Dare I go this route again? I parked way far back from the entrance, the better to get more steps in you see. You also get a pull through spot that way, easy drive out. I keep track of my steps with my new Fit Bit Blaze watch.
I make the walk, entered the store, and started towards the far back right, bread by the way is at the far left rear. They get us to pass a plethora of items this way. I passed through the Wine and Beer aisle and noticed Starborough, Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2015 on sale for $10.99. This usually sells for $15.99. Two bottles in the cart, what a bargain.
I got to the rear of the store and the Dairy section, find my 1/2 gallon of milk, $3.49. Into the cart it goes. Why I didn’t just grab one of the hand carry basket I don’t know. Pushing the cart up the aisle past the juices, Simply Lemonade jumped right out to me. You see I enjoy an Arnold Palmer on those warm days, Ice Tea and Lemonade is how I make it. The sun is bound to appear sometime and things will warm up. Into the basket, $2.50, thank you very much.
A light bulb went off and I remembered I had planned on having a left over Chicken and Apple Brat for lunch. A salad would go good with that I thought. Cut a diagonal to the far left rear of the store, more steps on my Fit Bit Blaze watch I’m thinking. In route to the Deli I pass the Grocery aisles, A sign jumps out at me, Quinoa 2 for $5.00. Not something my wife would purchase but I enjoy it. A can of Black and a can of Red Kidney beans said “take me” also, .79 cents. “Another bargain” says I. Glad I have the push cart now.
I paused as I passed the Coffee and Tea aisle. Did the wife get Tea last week I wondered? Into the cart goes Irish Breakfast and English Black Breakfast tea. The cost, $3.29 and $3.39.
I’m guessing the ten cents difference is due to the upgraded Pound Sterling compared to the Euro. The poor Irish, belittled again.
Just as I was exiting the aisle a box of Folger’s, Gourmet Columbian, Keurig single cup 12 pack jumped into my cart. My lady likes the milder beans you see. While the wife’s away, the grocer I’ll pay. I love my bold coffee. This stop only cost me $7.49. Ah, but I’ll have a smile on my face tomorrow morning.
From this pause in route I would finally continue to the Deli and purchase my Salad. I would choose a fresh Broccoli Crunch, the young lady was spooning the newly made item into it’s stainless steel bowl as I arrived. It doesn’t get any fresher than that. I asked for half pound and she nailed it, .50 lb, on the money. “How often does that happen” I say to myself. The cost, $2.30 for a half pound.
I would leave the Deli and finally head to the check out. As I approached the the check out, the lines were all full. I wandered to the left and the cursed Self Check Out. Over in the Produce area I faintly spied apples. I knew I was out, we only buy four at a time and I had consumed my four since I’d been left a single man last week. You guessed it, to Produce and four more apples. Fuji apples they were, $1.78 lb @ 1.99 / lb. Ka-Ching, $3.54 for the apples.
There just happens to be an old song by Shania Twain called “Ka-Ching” and it followed another song of her’s called “Gotcha Good.” Well Giant’s grocery store got me good, to the tune of $54.56, $1.98 of that was state tax by the way. All this for a 1/2 gallon of milk @ $3.49, Ka-Ching.
Hello Self Check out. Pay the bill and push the cart to the back of the parking lot, 2,362 steps, thanks Milk. I’m a bit healthier because of this experience.
Thanks for the look see.
Semper Fi
As The Rooster Crows 