The Missing Propane Tank From the Red House

Got a call from Ron Johnson. He is my next door neighbor in Beaver Meadow. Asked me if I forgot to pay my gas bill. "No I said, were still on speaking terms". He said "better call 'em, ask 'em if they took your 100 gallon tank" I did. They said "Not us". Ron moaned "I'll be, someone stole your tank"" Must have been pretty big thieves, that sucker weighs 800 pounds."
Any how the tank is gone. All that's left is the pipes coming out of the house. Ron really feels bad. He took it kinda personal. Likes to think he's watching the place. I told him it's not any one's fault.
He filed a police report. I called my insurance company.I had heard I was in good hands.
Turns out maybe I am. I didn't hear any one say the check is in the mail. But they are working on it. The gas company will set up a new tank. Said just give us a call......and$950 bucks.
I got to thinking. I do have central heat. I might be entitled to a "torpedo". That's a real big tank that lays horizon ally. I will check that out with the gas people. Wonder how much it weighs? The two big guys will have to get some help to lift this one.
Any how that's life at the ""farm". I told Ron I would come up with the gas men. We will get this resolved. Not to worry. When we have visitors, the hot water will be flowing. See you in the spring.

Cathy's Progress

We saw the cardiovascular surgeon. His name is Dr. Franco. Seems very nice. I would say about 40 ish. He had the report of the sonar. He told us right off, there is severe blockage in the carotid artery. Both sides. He made it quite sure, in his opinion there are only two alternatives.Open surgery to remove the plaque. Stenting, which is less invasive, and less effective. He strongly is on the side of the former.
He scheduled a CT. (computed tomography) Actually x rays, giving a three dimension image of the artery. Cathy had that done Friday. Dr Franco will review the results, and we will confer with him on the 22nd of Dec. At that time I'll write another episode.

Medical update

Cathy saw`Dr. Kim yesterday. He had all the reports of the Doppler test on her circulatory system. There is some blockage. We have an appointment with the Cardiovascular surgeon on Wednesday. (tomorrow). I will update this blog at that time.

Our Florida Escapade

Carl. Russ and myself went off to the south land for a few days. Played 102 holes of golf. Ate out every night at four star eateries. Stayed at a very nice motel. I think it was the Hampton's. Or maybe Fair fields. We always have a great time. The golf was out standing. Played a different course`each day. They both beat me on every round. They invented a game. It's called "beat the How man". They give me the forward tees, or a stroke, or a half stroke. They are writing a book. It's called "If you're losing. change the rules" It's like the song " some times I think I'm winning, but I'm losing again".
I like the expensive golf "country club" style courses. They take your clubs out of the car, put them on the cart, wipe them off at the end of the round. They usually expect a tip. I'm not used to that. In Jersey I play at Tara Greens. Cheap. The guy takes the money. He points to the first tee. You are strictly on your own.
We were in Orlando. That's Spanish for "tourist trap". I forgot to bring a golf hat. They were on sale at the pro shop for 49 dollars. We went to Wal Mart. I got one for 6 bucks.
But through it all we laugh. They say it adds to your life. I may have gotten a few more months on mine. I am looking forward to our next trip. I think were shooting for March. Maybe Carolina.

Closed the farm

This week we shut the farm down for the winter. Cleaned the rooms, locked up and drained the water. Done it enough times that we do a pretty efficient job. I always wonder how long it will be before I recall something I forgot. I mentioned to Cathy, it came to me, that I took my gold chain off and left it on the dresser. She replied "I saw it and picked it up". Now I have to wait for the next thing I forgot.
I left with a feeling of sadness. I miss the place. I hope I will see it again very soon. I would love to be there when the snow covers everything, and the wind whistles by the house. That most of all reminds me of my youth in Iowa. Were you aware that I had a youth? Long time ago.

Going north at last

Looks like we will be going up to the "farm" Tomorrow AM. Been trying to get up for a while .Cathy was sick all last week. Before that it was her Doctor appointment. Need to get up there soon or the house might freeze up. Talked to Ron Johnson. said there will be some snow. Cathy wanted to go to DE to be with Susie. But hated to see me go alone. Joe said he would come up with me but could only get Tuesday and Wednesday off. Not enough time. Cathy and I will stay for 4 or 5 days. Lots of things to do. Owning two houses can be a lot of work. Anne Marie called this morning. She said Susie might be worse than any one knows. I hope not. She will start Chemo soon. Went on radiation today. I don't know who is suffering the worst. Could be Cathy. She has one more test, then Doc Kim will tell us whats up.

Medical Update

I guess it's a sign of age when your blog title is "Med. Update. My story will be brief. The exercise induced asthma is totally under control. I have one more cat scan than a follow up visit to Dr. Mickey. All is well.
Cathy is more complicated.Dr. Kim thinks there is a problem with blood flow. We have three test to find out where and why, and plan a program for a solution.She feels fine but has a total lack of energy.
The real snag is with her daughter Sue. She has been diagnosed with cancer. She has tumors somewhere at the center of the pelvic floor. They have been tested and labeled grade four. She begins chemo and radiation this week. Surgery is not an option. Needless to say this has my poor wife Cathy in a dither. I assure her I will be in her corner. Not a whole lot I can do. Hope for the best.

Medical Update

Been a long time

Summer is behind us, but I'm still hanging on. Been playing golf,tending to my up state garden, and still wearing short pants. We are planning on shutting down the "farm" the first week in Nov. Cathy has been doctoring, taking a lot of tests,etc. feeling somewhat better. Physically. Now for the mental and emotional. She has learned her daughter Susie has cancer. Needless to say this threw us all for a loop. We don't know much of the details yet. It is someplace in the reproductive system. That's all we have so far. They will keep us informed. I will pass it on. We leave for the farm tomorrow. Sorrow has once again paid us a visit. Life goes on.

Nothing like the Jersey shore

Really had a neat time in Beach Haven. I told a friend from my Norwich meeting I played golf at Ocean County Golf. He comes from Tuckerton. He said from the ninth hole you can see his parents house. Small world. Was so good to see some of my grands. That would really be neat to do it again next year. We'll need two four people bikes. The best part was the talks I had with each of you. Michele and I are both fond of the same song. Carl is learning it. If he plays it at his next gig, I'll be there.

Still in the dark

I'ts been going on two years, since I began having breathing problems. Been to several Docs (one a specialist). Have had many diagnosiots. A remedy for each one. None of which worked. Got a lot of help from family. Read a lot. Tried natural cures, drugs,etc. Kept records. Had two cat scans, on and on. Any how, the symptoms grew less and less. Stopped records because there was nothing to report. Every now and then, I get a tightness in my throat. I seem to be able to bring it on with heavy exercise. Certainly not a problem. If this was all I had at the onset, I would have done nothing. I spoke to Amy and Lisa. They thought perhaps I had COPD. I read up on that. I don't think so. Is it possible that what ever was going on cured itself?.Did my respiratory system find a new channel to my lungs? I'll guess with you. I have one more trip to the doc,will tell her to forget about it. I thank you all for your concern.

Fire, fire everywhere

I began very early starting fires. I recall during summer vacation, when some one would ask"what should we do?" I would always say"lets go in the woods and build a fire". I was good at it. Talking kids into it I mean. But I could start a mean fire. I would come home with my brother Dick, both smelling like a smoked ham. Mom would say "who had the fire?" "not us Mom" We were good fire builders, but lousy liars. Now that I have acquired a modicum of sense, my fires are of the constructive sort. Incinerators to be specific. I have made several of them. I have the secret. A screen on the bottom. Supported by fire brick. Keeps the barrel from burning out. I may market it. At least to the people up state.Every one has one. They call them burn barrels. Which is what they do. Mine will last longer. Are we on to something here? Give me a comment.

Life up state NY

Having a summer home is neat. I also have a regular home. Living at two locations gives a whole new slant to almost everything in your life. It's as if I have two different departments of existing. Some are similar, others quite unlike. I have a daily meeting in both. But they are not the same. I have projects, daily chores, shopping and all of the mundane minutia. However they take on a new meaning. Is it the place? Is it people? Its hard to describe. Even doing the same thing takes on a strange difference. I actually derive a sense of well being at both places. Some times when I leave NJ for up state, it;s hard to tell if I'm going home or leaving home. I think if I had to chose one or the other as a permanent dwelling, I would be saddened either way. Far too much to give up. I sometimes think I have the best of both. I love my two home existence. I wish you would all come to visit. At either home.

Howie the golf pro

While upstate this last week, I had a unique experience. Jeffrey, our neighbors grandson came to me with a question. Rather sheepishly he said his grandfather told him to ask me if I would teach him how to play golf. He said his senior class was going on a golf outing to Apple creek Country Club. He wanted to have some experience. He' s 17 years old. Six foot plus. The nicest boy you could ever know. He looks slightly athletic. He said he played softball. I said he couldn't learn golf in three days, it would take at least a week.(private joke) Anyhow we commenced. I gave him a nine iron, some plastic balls, lesson one was under way. The stance, the grip, all of the basics. The rudiments of the swing, a short demo by me, go ahead hit the ball. Which he did. He's a natural. Set up a target, real golf balls. He does well. Off to the driving range. Tee up. Nine iron, seven, five, then the five wood. He does amazingly well. The golf pro walks by. I told him I'm helping the lad. He watches. Nice weight shift. Good swing, he'll do fine. Jeffrey is smiling. We went through the large bucket. At home I gave him the nine iron to keep. Plenty of balls, said to practice daily. Felt pretty good myself. Never dreamed he would take to it so fast. I saw him the day we left for home. He said he had been back to the range, and practiced every day. I really felt good about the whole episode. The up shoot, my own swing improved. Moral, if you want to learn something teach to another. I might be a better teacher than a golfer. Great experience.

One weekend in May

I spent Memorial day W/E in New Paltz, NY. Working with some of my favorite people. My family. Carl and I drove up on Saturday morning, arriving at base camp at 9:00 AM. Well charged with Starbucks coffee, we dug right in. I lit both incinerators. Beth and Mike were busy when we came in. Gave us a run down on the plan, and a list of the goals. While the tasks might have dampened the spirits of lesser folks, not us. We are up to the job. Diane and KB entered, we had coffee. Later we were joined by Kerri. What a crew. We worked into the evening hours. Just made our 8:30 PM reservation for dinner. Everyone looked so neat and clean. I didn't recognize them. I knew Kerri by her green eyes. Sunday was more of the same. Three more unsuspecting volunteers showed up. I lost my job as fireman. Mark took over. Pete and M pushed the wheel barrow. We filled the dumpster. Tons and tons of stuff. Carl and Mike completed the privy. KB assembled the charcoal burner. Can't believe all the accomplishments. I arrived home tired, but happy. Carl and I had a great talk on the ride back. I learned a lot from my Memorial Day W/E. I love my family. Beth and Mike have wonderful friends. Kerri is a good photographer.

Whats going on with Howie?

Hey life is pretty good. I'm struggling with my asthma, but has not detracted from my life style. The trip to the farm was good. My house watcher and gardener is landscaping the back yard. I played golf yesterday. Tonight is pool night. I sold seven frames for Mothers day. I filed for my Homestead rebate, and for my property tax relief. Things are rolling at a good clip.
I am writing to Alan about religious questions. He is really a scholar. I am learning. Of course I am a born again agnostic. But I love the subject. I have a host of things to ask him. I hope he doesn't get tired.
Today i had my first on line chat. I hooked up with Beth and Michele. I'm sure getting into this thing. I lost my cell phone on Sat. and thought the world was going to stop. (read the story). I realize how dependent I've become. My cell phone, Gps, and my lap top. I even tex message on occasion. I trying to learn how to get on line from a free wifi location. I want to take it with me when we travel. Happy Mothers Day to all.

Our trip to the farm

I really wanted to post this up at the farm.I tried to get on line at the library in Norwich. No luck. The people are not allowed to look at your PC. Only to give you a sheet of insrtuctions.Which looked like quantum mechanics. Nothing would come up on my screen that resembled anything on the sheet. I'll talk to my tech support expert. We have the house in pretty good shape. Changed all the valves in the bath room. Did a water leak Spackle job in the kitchen. Small. Most of the work was on the bird feeders. We have a multitude of songsters. Never saw so many. Feeding them through the winter was the trick. Got the flower beds ready for the end of May planting. Peas and lettuce are coming up. Ron has made a path to where the two streams join. It looks like a park. Even have a spot to put a picnic table. I'll have to talk to Ron's benefactors. He may need a raise in pay. We'll be back right after Mothers Day.

Sweet Sixteen

If you think that only folks can be "sweet sixteen". You're wrong. Organizations can also be sixteen years old. I belong to "the first light group" So named because we meet every morning at 7:30 AM. We are part of AA. The meeting was founded on St. Patricks day 1992. And every year we have a special occasion know as an anniversary. We hold what is known in the "program" as an "eatin meetin". Breakfast is served at 7:00 AM and we begin the AA meeting at 7:30. We pass out fliers to other groups. Giving the time, date etc. So we get quite a nice turnout. Also included in the flier is the name of the speaker and his length of time. This supposedly entices people to come. Either they know the person and want to hear his story, or they figure if the guy has a lot of time he might know something worth hearing. Now the point of this story. The group voted me to be the speaker. It was the highlight of my sojourn through the 29 years of my not taking a drink one day at a time. Telling ones story to your home group is really neat. Most of my friends have heard every thing about my life. But never all at the same time. Anyway, I loved the opportunity. I got a nice hand, lots of hugs, and scores of nice comments. I also got a lots of laughs. It's always a good sign. Being sober is good.

Wilmore Kentucky

Cathy and I returned last night. We spent some time with Sarah,Alan, And Lucy. The stay was short but we packed it all in. Lucy is so pretty. And seems so happy. We went to Ramsey's for dinner. Sarah snuck out and paid the bill when I wasn't looking. We had such a wonderful time. I love to talk to my grandchildren. How did they get so smart? They make such great parents. Who taught them? I guess I have to give my off spring credit for that. Any way I'm grateful for all my descendants. Mostly because they don't take after me. Any how thanks to Sarah and Alan for being good hosts. Hope they invite us back.

Play with the hand you're dealt

Myself, Joe, Carl, and Russell planned a golf outing to Palm coast Fla. Not realizing it was Presidents week-end,`and Daytona 500. Long story short we missed our flight. Four of us stood at the baggage counter in shock. Next flight too late. We only have five days. What to do. I told the others do what ever, I for one am not going home. I'll go some where solo if need be. They said we'll all go, but where? We decided in order to play golf it should be at least 50 degrees. Why don't we head south until it gets warm? Threw all our gear into my Chevy truck, and pointed that baby south. Got to Virginia, and we all let out a cheer. The thermometer on the rear view mirror read 50 degrees. Looked up a course on the GPS. Called for a tee time. Success! Played 18 holes. On to Williamsburg. We got a motel with adjoining rooms. Made a tee time for the next three days. Great place to be out of season. Cheap rates. Not crowded. What a time we had. Golf during the day. Cards at night. Played pool. Ate out every evening. We kidded, teased, played games, and most of all we laughed. I'ts hard to explain how the four of fit together. Were like the infield of a ball team. All different, but yet we play with the same goal in mind. We compete fiercely on the course. But congradulate the winners. {not quite as fiercely} I was proud of all of us. In the face of disappointment, we did not lose our cool. No finger pointing, no one engaged in the blame game. We missed the flight as a team. Make the best of it. We played the cards we were dealt. What a fine time we had. Now I just heard it rained in the Palm Coast. I guess we were just lucky. Can't wait to do it again

A Giant Victory

Wow, what a game. I love when the under dog wins. Giants 17- Pats 14. I have witnessed the Big Blue win three Supers. All were nail biters. Sundays game was the most intense. That final drive will be remembered for years to come. I was on the phone with Carl. We call when the Giants have a success. Russ also calls from time to time. I even got a call from Delaware. I got all the NY papers so I can decorate the pool room for Thursday game. Nice pictures. I have been a fan since Y.A. Tittle. I figured any team that would have a bald headed quarter back, is my team. Now I have to buy a shirt with XLII champs. Love my Giants.

Somewhat less than well

Cathy has not been feeling well for almost two weeks. At the onset we had a nurse look at her. The doctor sent in a script for an antibiotic. Her condition seems to go up and down. Never completely going away. We dealt with it. Then I came down with it. Not as bad, or as long. In fact today I'm reasonably well. So is Cathy. Maybe were both on the mend. We are both going to see the doctor. Our appointment is for the 12th. But not for any one to worry. We have weathered the storm. Enough. So glad to have Katherine's blog. Now I have another one to read. I look forward them all. Tonight is pool playing. I alerted all the players. Always a good time. Missed the morning meeting two days. Will attend tomorrow as we have a business meeting. All else is OK.

Give it away to keep it

My friend Jim C. has been sober for 35 years. He lost both legs to diabetes. He gets around with prosthesis and a walker. Two weeks ago he fell and broke his hip. Being confined to his house has him real squirrely. Four guys and myself are going to see him this afternoon. We'll have a meeting at his place. He really needs one. That's a quote my his wife. He only has a few people from the past who knew him. Years ago he was a powerful voice in our area. I have not seen him for a while. I know he'll be glad to see us all. I'll come home feeling on top of the world. That's the effect one gets from giving of yourself. A few hours, a few words, hand shakes and a hug. Life is simple. I love mine.

Way Behind

Just read every ones blog. Beth is the champ. Cathy has been feeling under the weather. We got a script from the doc over the phone for anti bio tics. Fluids, aspirin, and rest. I cook for her.Anything, just so it's soup and crackers. I like taking care of her. She does not like it. Wants to do it herself. She feels better today. Joe was here with a nurse. Checked her chest heart etc. Not the flu, just a very bad cold. Hope I don't catch it. I went all last year without getting sick.

From Whence the Name?

Where did I first hear the phrase? I don't know. It just seemed to pop out. Art was the one who commented about it. I recall it went something like."what the heck does that mean". I darn sure would have told him. If only I knew. { notice I just said darn and heck} A real family blog. But I say oo dee la la, when something neat happens. Like making a good shot at pool. When the Giants score. When I see something extraordinary.
I never thought I'd say this, but I love my cell phone. With me all the time. Seldom miss a call. Call right back if I have a message. The other day, I spoke to my number one son. My number two son. And my favorite daughter Mary/ All within a span of 30 minutes. On my cell. That was a oo dee la la moment. Get the idea?

In 1980 in thought I was`a rebel without a cause. Now I know I was a doof without a clue. Today I have a clue.

When your brakes fail, aim for something cheap.

Who says no one looks out for grandpa? I just finished the week end at New Paltz. I used my 1998 Chevy Astro van. I was playing the part of Hydraulic Man. We jacked up a structure on M and B's place. had a great time.Used the van to haul material. Drove it all over the place. Then I left for the farm to return to Beaver Meadow. A good four hour trip. Next AM I pack up for my trip back to Jersey. I head for the Cole Hill road. My first stop is to Ron's house to say good bye. On the steepest part of the hill I brake to slow down. Something is wrong. The pedal goes to the floor. I don't slow down.My foot freezes. I'm picking up speed.Gad zooks, no brakes. I have feared this happening all my driving life.But for whatever reason,I have practiced this very event. I pretend I have no brakes and stop with the emergency. I depress it slowly with my left foot. My practice is paying off. The Chevy comes to a dead stop right in front of Rons. He comes out and in a minute or two he tells me the line is broken to the rear wheels. No fluid is left in the reservoir. If the line was going to break, it couldn't have found a better time. I returned home the next day. Safe and sound. With a new hydraulic line. My advise. Learn where the emergency brake is. Try to stop using it. When you're on a lonely road. When you're all alone. Never with Grandpa..........................The "G"

Just a little peek inside {that's all you want}

Gosh Beth, I sure feel sorry for you getting "old". Some guy at the meeting this morning asked what year I was born. I told him 1929. He started laughing. I don't think he ever heard of that year. I am older than dirt. But it's better than the alternative.
Today is pool day. Five of my friends will come over at seven. We play til eleven. We swear, tease each other, tell stories, laugh a lot, and if things go right even shoot pool. I recall playing at New Paltz. Mike and Beth beat me at eight ball. Mike is very good. I'm not too bad either. Beth looked pretty.
Pool is my night for male bonding. My meeting in the morning is my social bonding. Friends are important to me. But it is my family that gives me my foundation.
I was in a blue mood this morning. Ran a bunch of errands in my new truck. That made me feel .0001% better. At home I found my son waiting for me. We talked at some length. Just about guy stuff. I felt 50% now. When he left upon checking my e-mail there was a lovely letter from my daughter Mary. I read it a dozen times. I'm now101%. I answered. Life is good. I worry too much. When I start thinking I'm in enemy territory.
You're peeking too much......................................................The "G"