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Taking August Seriously
The summer has raced by, and, if you don't think so, just ask any school teacher how quickly it went. The night air and earlier onset of darkness tell me that football-season weather is right around the corner.
But August was a busy month and before it ends there are a few items that need one last comment. August 2007 marked the return of Peter Pan peanut butter to our shelves. I received three phone calls this week from friends to let me know the good news. I had already discovered it last week by accident while bargain shopping at Yando's Big M in Skyway Plaza.
I reached for a jar of the best substitute I could find, The Peanuts Kids brand, and then glanced left. There were the familiar colors of yellow and red and the words "Peter Pan" in white. "NEW LOOK! GREAT TASTE" shouted at me from the label. I returned the substitute to the shelf and grabbed my Peter Pan!
I shouted, "Yes" out loud and didn't care who heard me. I held the jar over my head in victory. My shopping day was over. I headed home for the best peanut butter sandwich I'd tasted in almost a year.
We all have those moments in history that we always remember where we were when it happened. I'll always remember Yando's Big M and the return of Peter Pan to my kitchen counter.
Another serious event in August 2007 was when I asked the blogoteers for advice on any of five items that I was interested in purchasing. Sincere thanks to all who shared their opinions, both on the blog and on the street. I have listened carefully, already purchased a crosscut paper shredder and will be deciding on the right big screen tv for me during the month of September.
August was also memorable because I met blogoteer and Montcalmer Fred Forkey. We met for the first time one Saturday at Meron's at what we thought would be a Montcalmers Reunion. That never materialized, but Fred and I had plenty to talk about. One of the first things he said to me was, "Foxy, I thought you were taller. Your picture at On the Sly made me think you were taller."
That's interesting, because I thought Fred was shorter. For some reason from reading his blogs, I thought he was shorter. But he's long and lean. No matter, we still got along great and had plenty of reminiscing to do.
New York Yankees' fans will always remember August 2007 as the major league debut of future Hall of Famer Joba Chamberlain. Yankee announcer John Sterling has already christened him as one of the greatest pitchers in Yankees history. Tonight he and his partner Susan referred to the "Legend of Joba Chamberlain." Quite a claim for a guy who has pitched nine innings of big league baseball.
What surprises me more, however, is that since Joba is a full-fledged Native American no one has compared him to former Yankees' great Allie Reynolds, who was nicknamed "Chief" because of his Native American heritage. I think they've missed the boat on this one.
And, finally, our own city councilor Bill Provost has made August 2007 memorable thanks to his creative campaign poster letting people know that he has "cojones." That's information overload, in my opinion. It's not something I had ever wondered about.
But I've known Bill since way back when he was known as "Billy." He has always been one to test the limit, push the envelope, stretch the rule and then coyly look the other way. He's a good judge of where that invisible line is between right and wrong. But when you do that you run the risk of offending some people. In the interest of freedom of speech I guess Bill can say or write almost anything he wants. It's the voters in Ward 6 who will decide his fate.
I had a great August 2007. Hey, maybe it doesn't show but I even lost ten pounds! Apples and corn on the cob are great replacements for my usual popcorn-soda snack and instant mashed potatoes swimming in butter. But, indeed, August went by way too quickly.
Comments
Yes indeed...August was a great month, and I don't even eat Peanut Butter (don't tell all my neighbors down here in Georgia though, they may kick this yankee out). But before I comment on August, I must say that July wasn't so bad either. I brought my GA clan with me up to VA so we could all spend time with our oldest daughter (and her husband, but I include him under duress) and of course our two grandsons, Ryan and Jacob. Then we made the trek up to good ole Plattsburgh. We rented two cabins on Lake Champlain and for the entire week we had a continuous visit of all our family members...was awesome! Especially beating miss d at just about every available camping sport you can imagine. :) However, my niece did kick my butt at badmitton. The week ended with a birthday bash at the lake...it had been 29 years since I celebrated my birthday with all my family in Plattsburgh..loved it. OK..August..that was the topic.. was a real rough month of work..had to attend back to back conferences at two different resorts in Orlando..close to 3 weeks of fun, sun, lots of golf and a little work. Course the day before I returned we got a major...we get a lot of them..storm and the roof of our screened enclosure caved in...miss d's favorite room while visiting. So, September is full of insurance claims, contractors, and endless waiting for all the players to do their part. But that's ok..there's a conference next month in New Orleans I have to attend. :)
(Foxy's note: Thanks for the interesting summer recap. Sorry I missed you on your visit to Plattsburgh. Next time, call me! Good luck with the paperwork in September!)
Posted by: Chief | September 4, 2007 10:30 PM
August was an awesome month. I too am very happy for the return of Peter Pan! We ended the month with a trip to NYC with friends and family to see Jersey Boys - it was fantastic. Although we saw a matinee and the understudy played the lead, he too is incredibly talented. If you happen to be in the neighborhood and the Yankees are on break or something, you should see this show - I know you would love it. Well, here's to September and all the new adventures it will bring! Hope to see you around - your friend, miss d.
Posted by: miss d | September 2, 2007 10:21 AM
I agree with LaPointe and Welchie. Joe, is that you? Hello from beautiful, sunny Florida. Stan & Hornett, you should have come down instead of Cowhampshire & Penn's Woods - we're having a blast. Going out on the casino ship tonight, be thinking of you as we clean up.
Posted by: Miney Rowlson | September 2, 2007 10:11 AM
Adams All Natural peanut butter is my favorite. I’m living in Colorado but will be home soon and I’ve been following the antics of Mr. Provost and I’m sure that that is just what they are. I don’t know the man but he obviously did it to get a rise out of some people and laughs from others.
But in a time when presidents are wielding cigars in inappropriate ways and senators are reaching under stall doors and Mayors are coming out. I think People have Zero Tolerance for antics from their elected Officials.
Being elected to anything is an honor that should not be taken lightly. I expect my elected officials to carry themselves with honor and act in a dignified manner.
Posted by: LaPoint | September 1, 2007 5:40 PM
I agree with Vin, we too had discovered Smuckers all natural two years ago.
However what is even better is Teddie all natural. It is the only one that doesn't harden up in the fridge. Here's a tip for Smuckers too. Store the jar upside down-that allows the oil to mix in with the peanut butter.
Despite efforts to bring Smuckers and Teddie into Canada our requests have been denied . Teddie is available at PRICE CHOPPER in Lake Placid, I would assume it is also at the Plattsburgh store.
Another reason to cross the border to shop.
Posted by: Norm Stotland | August 31, 2007 9:08 AM
Bill.....I love the Pittsburgh Steelers, but have never lived in Pennsylvania. I love the Boston Red Sox but have never lived in Massachusetts. I live in Kentucky but I don't drink Maker's Mark, I don't bet on the horses, and I don't eat Jif. grin
Posted by: Kathy | August 30, 2007 6:02 PM
Fox,
You forgot to mention that "Ray" Robertson gave up a leg in Vietnam with the North Country Platoon that sent 70 guys into the United States Marine Corp during that call to arms. He is also an acoomplished actor on broadway and a writer.....Not bad for a guy from the "burgh"....jw
Posted by: John W. Welch | August 30, 2007 3:12 PM
Hi Foxy!
August has been a wonderful month. (Tho, I'm not into peanut butter, unless it's loaded with crunchie chunks of peanuts.)
The last few days have been such a blast from the past for me. Warren and Audrey Manor (Post #20) were out here in Reno for the National American Legion convention. We were able to show them a bit of casino life and the great food ... (did I say ... SLOTS? Well, what happens in Reno ....!). Then, Monday, we went to Virginia City - of Bonanza fame - Comstock Lode, et al. Here, they got a taste of a real western town and I found the perfect gambler's hat for my upcoming National Federation of Republican Women's convention this September in Palm Springs.
Dittos to Vin - GO ED!!!
Ah, yes, it's been a good August and, believe me, Foxy, I've learned not to take anything too seriously - life's too short! Grab it with gusto and dare to take chances.
Lynda
Posted by: Lynda (Bouyea) Bevins | August 30, 2007 1:37 PM
Kathy...i can't believe you prefer peter pan over Jiffy made here in middle of kentucky..
Posted by: bill glasscock | August 29, 2007 11:04 PM
Foxy,
I, also, rediscovered Peter Pan on my store shelf this week and was smiling all the way home. Once I got all the other groceries put away, I peeled myself a banana and spread some of that peter pan peanut butter right across the top. That was the best banana with peanut butter that I had eaten in a long, long time.
As far as Bill Provost having "cojones"...you've got to love a guy that puts that on his campaign posters. As I am way down here in Kentucky, you will have to let me know if this move pays off for Mr. Provost.
Posted by: Kathy | August 29, 2007 8:30 PM
Foxy:
Being a connoisseur of peanut butter myself, I can certainly attest to the quality of Peter Pan Brand. But, about two years ago I discovered Smuckers All-Natural Peanut Butter and have been hooked ever since. You really should give it a try.
In regard to Mr. Provost's antics, I wished I lived in the Sixth Ward. Then I could show him I had the "Cojunes" to vote for Ed Champagne!!!!
Posted by: Vin Scully | August 29, 2007 11:19 AM