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I Forget What This Blog is About
First of all, this is the 100th "On the Sly" blog, since it hit the www in December. Thanks to the readers who have added almost 600 comments during that time. Thanks to the people I meet in the community who tell me that they read every blog, and check each day to see if there's something new.
My thanks to the Editorial Staff at the Press-Republican for the invitation to be a part of their website. I have to admit I've had fun and a lot of laughs.
But I'm a little concerned about something and I may need your help. As people get older we sometimes worry about their memory. Maybe you know someone in their eighties who has gotten forgetful. You know, maybe a phone call at 10 in the morning to ask you something, and then another phone call two hours later to ask you the same question. Or maybe you're with them at the doctor's office and they left an important paper back on their dining room table. So you drive across town, look for the important paper on the table and can't find it. So you drive back to the doctor's office only to find out it was in her purse all along.
I guess it's normal for older people to become forgetful, and those of us a little younger have to just be patient and accept it.
But let me tell you what happened to me last Friday night. I was sitting at home watching baseball, with my kitty Lily happy to be attached to my lap for the past 45 minutes, when the phone rings. It was a friend, let's call her Trish, inviting me to meet her and her husband, let's call him Patrick, at Meron's for a few cool liquid refreshments. I liked the idea, and agreed to meet them there in just a few minutes.
As soon as I put the phone down, it rang again. This time it was my brother, let's call him Moose, wanting to fill me in on a few items from his busy day. We talked about baseball, his work and touched on several other topics, covering about 30 minutes of conversation. I hung up the phone and headed upstairs.
Passing through the kitchen I realized I hadn't eaten dinner, so I checked the refrigerator. Aha! a bowl of cooked potatoes, perfect for potato salad. And some fresh-from-the-deli ham. I grabbed the mayo, chopped an onion and proceeded to make a great batch of potato salad.
The baseball game was still on, so I filled a dinner plate with potato salad and slices of ham. A picnic in my living room. Rejoined by Lily we partyed in the quietude of my living room. Following the mini-banquet I found a popsicle in the freezer. Root beer! the best!
At 10:45 the phone rang. Uh-oh. It was Trish -- remember Trish? She shouted into my ear, "Where are you? We've been waiting for almost two hours!!!"
All I could utter was, "I forgot! I forgot!" I don't think she heard me because her non-stop banter didn't give me a chance to speak.
I reaffirmed that I would be there right away. I was embarrassed. How could I have forgotten, in the time of one phone call, that I was supposed to meet them at Meron's? It seems as though as soon as I hung up the phone from Trish's original call that I forgot about it!
I need some help here! Is there anyone else out there who is forgetful like this? Am I spiraling into the world of dementia? Do I have to start writing everything down? Including something I'm going to do five minutes from now? What was this blog supposed to be about?
Comments
What, you didn't write it on your calendar??? Shame on you ....anyone who knows you knows about the calendar. As far as Goose Gagnon Field, I think it's very fitting...should have been done years ago.
Posted by: Laura | August 6, 2006 11:08 PM
Speaking of Moose.....I mean Goose. Dont you think it's about time the little league field at Forgette Park (Fox Hill) was named in his honor. With all the years Goose has served as a coach, umpire, board member and now chief umpire it would be a fitting recognition and show of appreciation for all he has done over the years for our kids.
We have Lefty Wilson Field at Lahtinen-Penfield Park. Why not Goose Gagnon field at Charles Forgette Park? You would be hard pressed to find someone more deserving of the honor.
Back to the topic at hand, were you watching a Dodger game ? If so just blame Grady Little - it's easy to blame things on him, just ask Pedro.
(Foxy's note: Lately I can't stand to watch the Dodgers after the third inning! I certainly second your idea about Goose Gagnon Field. Should I write a blog about that?)
Posted by: Rick K | July 28, 2006 3:01 PM
I am REALLY surprised you haven't fallen out of your rocking chair ranting and raving about how great of a mayor John Tyrell was!
(Foxy's note: I bet the "Old-Timer" who comments here could tell some great stories about "Tarmack Jack" from Fox Hill, and probably Plattsburgh's greatest mayor.)
Posted by: Kern | July 28, 2006 10:38 AM
Jezz, Kathy, easy on the ole guy. After all, he hasn't worked in over a year. His mind can't possibly be what it once was!
He writes these crazy blogs about Plattsburgh: the dreaded 'Fox Hill gang', some place called OLVA (I think I roller-skated there once when roller-skates had four wheels that weren't in-line) and catholic high school basketball in the sixties!
I had my suspicions when he proclaimed to the whole world that he likes instant potatoes and wanted to grow a 'tail', but became thoroughly convinced he was losing it when he got the cat.
Yes, Foxy, I was one of your students, as well. And the next time I am in town I will bring you a rhubarb pie and some ‘Geritol’. And if you are having a 'good day', we may be able to take a ride out to Gus's.
(Foxy's note: Great comments, Kern. I'll take the rhubarb pie, but pass on the Geritol.)
Posted by: Kern | July 28, 2006 10:10 AM
Ray,
Wow!!! This particular blog is the best because I can really relate to it. Though, I have to say I have enjoyed all of them and will continue to look forward to them. This is a test. Can you remember me? I was your "sidekick" in our high school yearbook. Hope you continue to write this wonderful blog!
(Foxy's note: Anyone who calls me Ray knew me in my "other life." You are Mary Desotelle. Of course, I remember you well. Hope all is well. Should I write a blog about our senior class trip to New York City? Are you still in the North Country?)
Posted by: Mary Jaquish | July 28, 2006 10:06 AM
Say there, Foxy "Boxie" ... There's nothing wrong with you ... believe me.
There's an old saying I used whenever anyone made a remark about my very cluttered desk at the P-R.
"A clean desk in a sign of a sick mind." (BOLD LETTERS)
You have a magical way with words. Your blogs trigger many fond memories of Plattsburgh and similar incidents in my life. I read every one religiously on a daily basis. To have so much to remember, it is not uncommon to have what my friends call a "senior moment".
You in no way are on the road to dementia, for we recognize a "senior moment" for what it is - an exceptional mind working overtime.
I, for one, am glad your "desk" is cluttered!
Regards to you and all my friends in the "Burgh!
Lynda
Posted by: Lynda (Bouyea) Bevins | July 28, 2006 12:26 AM
Foxy, Face it, you are older than dirt. Yes to all your questions, including the one asking if you needed to write things down so you would remember it 5 minutes from now. No, there is no saving you from this dementia and Yes, you are indeed the only one that this ever happens to. Tell me, what was it like to grow up without wheels being around and were you as amazed as I assume you were once fire was "invented"? Get over it, Fox. We all have days where we forget stuff. Oh, and just to refresh your memory , I am a former student of yours. Remember? You use to be a teacher? English, you know? Oh, never mind!
Posted by: Kathy (Hunt) Stacy | July 27, 2006 8:53 PM