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Looking Ahead
We are ready to look December right in the eye and my calendar is already filling up with things to do in the final month of 2006. If I let you in on my agenda, maybe you'll add the events to your calendar and join me for some December fun.
The Old-Timer has already mentioned it in a comment, but I'll gladly repeat it. On Friday, December 1, the Flynns are having a bash at Meron's beginning at 5pm. The guest list has grown into a "Who's Who of Clinton County." Celebrities and dignitaries from all walks of life and of all ages will meet to welcome in December. Goose and I will be there, and I hope as many fellow bloggers as possible will join us for the event.
I wish regular blog contributors like Norm and Kathy and Kern and Stan and Bill and Miney and Fred and Lynda and Randy, all from various parts of the country, could be there as well. I'll have my notepad with me to record important happenings that they will miss.
Then next week the high school sports winter season kicks off. Basketball, volleyball, hockey, wrestling. Health permitting, I'll be at some high school sports event three or four nights each week, recording sports for history and for public access TV. I enjoy the winter sports season, because unlike football, soccer, baseball and softball, the weather is always good. All we do is set up our equipment at the top of the bleachers and have fun watching great athletes go at it.
If you see me at an event, come over and visit and maybe I'll even get you to help with the color commentary. For basketball, especially, we like to have a third quarter guest. I hope you'll consider supporting the great high school athletes we have in Section 7 and Section X.
On December 9th it's the first birthday of the "On the Sly" blog. A year already? I wonder if I'll be hired back for another season, or if I'll go by the wayside like some of those "one-hit wonders," like Right Said Fred, the 1910 Fruitgum Company and Los del Rio.
Then there's the Christmas shopping. I used to be almost finished by this time, but that was the days when Erik was just a kid and even opening a pack of gum made him yell with joy. Now, he's grown up, moved away and he's a lot tougher to shop for. Thank goodness for the 7th Season of Seinfeld DVD.
And with no spouse, there's a lot less shopping, that is for sure. Even my ex-wives will admit I enjoyed spoiling them with gifts at Christmastime. It's much easier on my wallet, but a Christmas tree looks funny with no gifts under it. Any nice girl want to get spoiled this Christmas?
Don't forget to get your holiday turkey early. It's nearly a week after Thanksgiving and finally my overdose of tryptophan is wearing off. But I'll do it all over again on December 25 and probably on January 1 as well.
Maybe during the month of December I'll have time to ring the bell for the Salvation Army or take a walk in the snow or have some friends over for some warm egg nog in front of the fireplace. No doubt it will be a busy month and I hope our paths cross sometime during December so we can exchange holiday smiles.
Comments
Foxy, Just read "the blog" for the first time. Have known of its existence from Mike Mannix, but never took time to read. Have a question for you and other readers. Do you recall the first year of organized Little League baseball in Plattsburgh? I talked to Jack Stewart a few weeks ago and mentioned that 2007 would be the 50th year. He said that this past summer, he had thrown out a baseball at the Little League park in celebration of that event. I disagreed with him and recall that 1957 was the inception of the ball in the city. I was eligble to play because my birthday in February 1957, allowed me to play at the age of twelve, whereas Carl King was not able because his birthday was in the Fall of 1956. Anyway I would like additional information. If I remember, your Dad was quite involved as a coach during those initial years. Hope to hear from you and enjoyed your "Blog" and will continue to read.
(Foxy's note: Welcome aboard, Lanny! My memory is that I was 9 years old during the first year of Plattsburgh Little League. I played four years, as a 9, 10, 11 and 12. So, since I was born in 1948, that would mean 1957 was the first year. So, I agree with you!)
Posted by: Lanny LaValley | December 17, 2006 9:31 AM
would love to make it to merons ..i am sure it would be a very entertaining night..maybe when plattsburgh gets the new airport it won't take all day to get there..have a great time guys and girls!!
Posted by: bill glasscock | November 30, 2006 7:59 PM
Ah, yes ... how I'd love to join you all on the first to see all my Plattsburgh friends! I'll lift a "wee dram" of Thee Glen Livet from Reno to all there at Merons. My love and hugs to you Foxy and the gang.
Christmas season is my time to wax nostalgic with memories of gathering with family and friends to celerate this wonderous season. Of course, I would love to see the "old" P-R gang, too... not that any of the P-R staff EVER had more than a spot o'tea!
My best wishes to you all for a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous and happy New Year.
Lynda
Posted by: Lynda (Bouyea) Bevins | November 30, 2006 6:29 PM
Foxy, I had a senior moment and forgot to thank oldtimer! Lenny
Posted by: lenny smallacombe | November 30, 2006 5:48 PM
Foxy; It was so nice to read the remarks of Al Ryan and Fred Forkey. I am retired and live in Port St Lucie,Fl. The home of the N.Y. Mets Spring training site! Sports was my life as well as most of the kids growing up in our time! Foxy thank you for doing a super job in providing us with this unique concept to keep in touch with old friends! Lenny
Posted by: lenny smallacombe | November 30, 2006 5:35 PM
I see, Foxy, that the "Old Timer" doesn't miss a thing. The Press Republican could use a man like him. Always at the heart of the matter. The Blog could be called, "Back in Time With Tom"
Posted by: Fred Forkey | November 30, 2006 4:11 PM
Hi Foxy
Was interested in all of the mention of Lenny "Popcorn" Smallcomb .
"Popcorn" is someone I have thought of every now and then over the years and wondered what had happened to him.
Fifty years ago - when the Press-Republican was operating out of its old Clinton St. facility, a very young Lenny Smallcomb used to hang around the office some, waiting for his brother Bob. Bob and I were both employees at the time.
I remember kidding around alot with Lenny who - unless my memory has failed me - was a very young, aspiring Golden Gloves boxer at the time.
Lenny, in case you are reading this it was good to see your name pop up again and glad to know you are still around.
Keep up the good work FOXY and to you and all of your fine bloggers, a very Merry Christmas and holiday season.
Kindest regards,
Al Ryan
Posted by: Al Ryan | November 30, 2006 3:06 PM
Quick notes: As good as a basketball player as Popcorn was, he was also one of the top Golden Glove boxers in the area. Along with Pat Maloy and Paul Savage they put on many great bouts both here and in Burlington. I don't know why Fred can't make it for The Carvers party, he never misses a summer party at the Lakes (Chat. or Chazy) or the millionaires camp. I also sent instructions to one J. Carr so he will be in attendance. Skip must be older than I thought. He knew both Anne and Norm, very, very good. See you all Friday night.
Posted by: The Old Timer | November 30, 2006 12:17 PM
AWW too bad Fred F can't be there on Fri. As I said before, he could regale you with stories. It seems I only see him during the 4th Ward golf outing.
And if you see Larry Barcomb at the volleyball game have him bake up a bunch of his great Chocolate chip cookies. He would bring them to hunting camp often then proceed to wipe us out playing poker.
And old timer, I remember Anna Rock (God love ya) when she was the Monopole. What a great woman and her husband, Norm.
Hope to see you all tomorrow.
Posted by: skip zatonski | November 30, 2006 9:12 AM
Foxy, this is in reference to Lenny "Popcorn" Smallcombe, who writes you occasionally. I remember the day when "Popcorn' scored 100 points, at the local YMCA, in a basketball game. About 5 ft 2 inches tall but he was like a scoring machine that day. Just a note of interest. I'd like to be at Meron's on Friday night but, Gracie might close the place if she heard I was in town. You'll have to party without me. See ya, Fred F
Posted by: Fred Forkey | November 30, 2006 7:34 AM
I hope I get the chance to stop at the Dec. party at Meron's. Could someone send me directions please........
(Foxy's note: This may qualify as the "Best Comment of the Year" -- it's a winner!)
Posted by: Jim Carr | November 29, 2006 11:36 PM
I would love to be there, I am still very active in my business and cannot be there on the 1st, but I will look you up next time I'm in Plattsburgh.
Posted by: Norm Stotland | November 29, 2006 3:35 PM
Lenny, I was in Plattsburgh in Sept of this year and bought some sauce from McSweeny's to bring back to Kansas. As soon as I am able I will definitely enjoy it. I believe they sell it by the pint and quart.
Posted by: Randy Vaughn | November 29, 2006 3:04 PM
Foxy, in case you didn't know Larry Barcomb is back in the section VII volleyball arena at NAC, thank god! Thursday night Dec 7th the rival continues at PHS for 6:30. Be there or be square. Also, I might see you Friday night at Merons, you never know.
(Foxy's note: Would be great to see you on Friday ... and, I am planning on videotaping the big volleyball game on Thursday night, Dec 7!)
Posted by: AJennette | November 29, 2006 2:10 PM
Hi Foxy; Really enjoy your articles about the city I still love and missed. Do any hot dog stands ship out the michigan sauce! Thanks Again for sharing memories of the good times! Lenny
(Foxy's note: Good question, Lenny. Maybe a reader can comment. In the meantime, I'll talk to some local michigan spots and see what they say.)
Posted by: lenny smallacombe | November 29, 2006 1:23 PM
Foxy, If you get a chance while at Meron's Please say a big hello to Grace for me if she is there. Her and I graduated together in 1973. I was planning on stopping in to see her my last trip but never got the chance. See you all in April. Oh yea... I think the Press would have a revolution on their hands if "On the Sly" went away. Keep up the good work. Randy
Posted by: Randy Vaughn | November 29, 2006 9:35 AM