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The End of the Month
As the month of August winds down, here are some random notes on the summer and on what's ahead:
1. Recently the Press Republican upgraded the blog system, but it has created a problem for me to approve the comments from my computer at home. As you may or may not know, one of the beauties of being asked to write a blog for this website, is that I can do this anytime day or night from my own home. With the upgrade, I can still write the blog, but I am not able to approve comments, nor add my notes to anyone's comment. For now, someone at the Press Republican office will approve the comments.
2. Today I ran into my first ear of corn that didn't fit into the big kettle I use to cook corn. It was from Shield's on the Beekmantown Road. I think Sam picked that one out for me on purpose! Try as I might at lunchtime, I couldn't even jam it in the kettle. I had to saw off the end of the cob, where those little teeny kernels are, just to get a snug fit. And, oh, it tasted great! With the help of fellow bloggers here, I've been able to find some great corn this summer.
3. Today a small part of North Prospect Street is closed off for street repairs. So, that means traffic is being detoured into and out of Flagler and into and out of the entrance to East Gate, near Crescent. I took the route and I have to give credit to the Kasprzak campaign crew for a heads-up move. I don't know if those signs were already there, or if someone rushed out this morning and put them along the detour, but I must have passed by 15 "Kasprzak for Mayor" signs along the way.
4. Speaking of the mayoral race, with the September 12th primary just weeks away, I'd give each candidate one little piece of advice. Don Kasprzak should make it a point that people know how to pronounce his name. There are thousands of new voters since he served on the Common Council back in the Seventies. Fair-weather voters, who don't really take an effort to learn more about the candidates, will more often vote for a name familiar to them. When they see that scramble of letters in his last name, it may look more like a word jumble. But if they've heard it enough times, KAZ - PURR - ZAK, it will sound and look more familiar to them.
5. City councilor Mike Drew, whose name has been in the news for the past several years, has the friendly name going for him, but he has to erase the feeling that he will just be a mayor for the south end of the city. His home and business are in the south end, and he has represented the residents well. However, he has to be sure that the residents of the other wards don't see him as just a "Fox Hiller," not that there's anything wrong with that!
6. My blog about the catherization lab alerted the North Country about my first battle with some heart problems. I received many phone calls and e-mails and blog comments wishing me well. I have to thank a vigilant Dr. David Anderson for noticing a funny whoosing sound in my heart several months ago. Echocardiograms have shown that my mitral valve is not working properly. I feel great! And, with the positive results from Wednesday's catherization by Dr. Palma, major surgery is on the backburner for now. Dr. Anderson and Dr. Palma will be keeping a close eye while Fox is on the Run!
7. As summer winds down my thoughts turn to wood. I love a fireplace with logs burning in the late fall and winter. But, oh, that job of moving the wood supply into the garage for winter and stacking the new cords in the backyard. I think I'll go easy on that job. I think I might have to call my friend-of-a-friend, the young dude who fixed my rain gutters. Sounds more like a job for a 22-year-old than this old heart patient. But I'll keep busy, kicking pebbles around, shooing the squirrels away and bringing out some liquid refreshments. No doubt, I'll keep right up with that young kid every step of the way.
8. Your comments are invited!
Comments
Foxy,
Just a thought.....a valve repair would be a whole lot better than a valve replacement. That's all I'm gonna say. Other than saying that we all want you around for a whole lot longer.
(Foxy's note: Kathy, thanks! All this has made me realize that each day is a blessing, and I am grateful for the support of family and so many friends.)
Posted by: Kathy | August 29, 2006 3:53 PM
Hi, Foxy... been wondering if you got my two previous comments. Kind of thought I would get a respons from you, but guess you are a busy guy. I remember once talking to you at Mickeys one afternoon a while back and you said that you knew me when I was introduced to you. I am a retired teacher like you. Taught at Beekmantown for 30 years....retired 18 years ago
Ray
(Foxy's note: Yes, Ray, I remember you. You were friends with Pete and Gus from Gus's Red Hots, where I worked during college. We were actually at the same house party one night back in 1973 or so. I hope I also have a nice long retirement like you are having.)
Posted by: Ray Ducatte | August 29, 2006 2:34 PM