In the middle of the night on Sunday when I was in Samsonville, I woke up and sneezed about 50 times. After that, my nose started running like crazy and continued until I was back home. It was sinus related; I had a headache behind my eyes and my upper teeth hurt. The left side was worse than the right. It took two days of neti rinsing to completely go away, and it flared up a little today but is gone now. It has happened twice before in recent memory while I was in Samsonville. Both times I took a COVID test (which was negative) but this time I didn't bother. It must be the weather change, coupled with ragweed or something abundant in Samsonville. The reason I am writing this is because of my father. He had allergies and always complained when he had a cold. He was always so descriptive and funny. My sinus episode reminded me that several years ago, when hurricane coverage was dominating the news, he said a bad cold he had was a category five.

I am in the midst of a very unpleasant situation with a contractor. In all my years of home ownership (30 in Castleton-on-Hudson and 18 in Samsonville) I have never had a bad experience, much less anything like this happen. It is not over yet, and I have no prediction for when or how it will resolve. I consider myself unmaterialistic, and so I know it is only a house, but it's a significan part of my retirement portfolio, not to mention a source of relaxation and stress reduction, a place to get away from the demands of professional life. Bob is proud of the work he has done on the house, and in fact, only finished his every-three-year maintenance of the exterior finish a couple weeks ago (and this time it took two summers to complete). Since he received the startling news from the contractor while he was at work late Thursday afternoon, we have discussed and brainstormed and theorized about "Why?" Why is this happening? How could it happen? WTF? We want a logical explnation, one that makes some kind of sense. Sometimes there is no rational explanation I guess, and that's hard to swallow. Maybe the dude is just plain crazy, or a liar, or a cheat. Last night we postulated, perhaps he is a drug abuser, and is addicted to opioids. That would explain his behavior, and make more sense than anything else we have formulated.

A comment on the United Airlines passenger assault.

Full disclosure:

• I am not much of a traveler (call me provincial, but I just don't like it much. Also, when you decide to have a weekend house, all extra resources go in that direction. And finally, I favored staycations before that annoying term was coined)
• If I was a traveler, I prefer trains and would not be an air traveler (can you say "carbon footprint?")
• I am not big on being publicly embarrassed or physically injured. So even if I had initially refused to leave the plane, I would have immediately done so the moment the cops arrived. No screaming. No dragging.

That stated,why didn't they increase the incentive until there were enough willing takers? The bad PR (and eventual lawsuit) from this will cost them way more. Stupid!

It was fun to see the Airplane! clips floating around social media, though. Love that movie.

On Saturday, we headed to Samsonville for the weekend. My sister was hosting a barbecue, and she said it would start at 2-ish. We managed to get to S'ville shortly after 2, and I was so happy that the rain stopped, the skies cleared, and if we hurried with our "opening" procedure, we'd get to the festivities at about 2:30.

Usually Bob patrols the yard when we first arrive, checking for problems with the fence and to warn unsuspecting critters that the Beagles are coming. We leave their harnesses on, and I generally stand on the deck and watch them when they go out to prowl the initial time. (They don't routinely wear their harnesses when they are in either house or yard because of this.)

But on Saturday we were in a hurry, so Bob brought Rosie and Harry (and Teddy) in the house, took off their harnesses, and let them out into the yard. We unloaded the Mariner, and I went into the bathroom. Bob called the animals inside. Rosie and Teddy came in, but Harry was nowhere do be found. Bob noticed a hole in the fence.

We frantically ran up the driveway and searched the nearby woods, calling him. We scoured the yard and looked under the sheds (a haven for groundhogs). There was no sign of him. Eventually Bob jumped in the Mariner and drove around, while I continued walking the driveway. When Bob came back, we stood in the driveway and talked about what we were going to do next. Right then, our escapee trotted up the driveway. We were so relieved! Suddenly, we both noticed something and simultaneously said "eww!"  Harry was holding a dead squirrel!We didn't scold him of course, as we were so happy he came back. We yelled "leave it!" and determined it was road kill -- there had been one in the road not too far from the driveway that was now gone.

Bob fixed the fence and we got to my sister's house at 4-ish. It seems Harry took Independence Day a little too literally!

I cannot vote in the 19th district. Castleton was gerrymandered out of the former district some years ago, and then a few years ago New York lost a House seat, and a couple of districts were carved up as a result. Still Castleton was not put with our neighbors, but instead is an add-on to the district across the river. However, I do own a house in the 19th district, my family lives there, and I grew up there, so I am very protective of the district. The current race is really getting on my nerves. I want a huge Gibson sign to plant in the hayfield in Samsonville.

The Freeman did an interview with this kid last Tuesday that really frosted me. I saved this twitter transcript for a week, intending to post it, but no time until today. Since I am in a bad mood at present, this is a salve. (Sort of.) The Freeman reporter’s tweets are in italics, followed by my responses.

1. Eldridge said when looking at this Congress he's frustrated. It's a wake up call. Wants to be part of the solution to make it work.

Because being a 30 year old with the sole qualification “married money” is such exemplary preparation for Congress.

2. Eldridge said he respects Congressman Gibson, but they have some fundamental differences.

Such as life experience and understanding the district.

3. Eldridge said he opposes fracking, while Gibson supports it.

The only thing this tells me is that you support a change to Federal control while Gibson believes it should be a State issue. What difference does your opinion make otherwise?

4. On women's health, Eldridge said he served on Planned Parenthood board.

LOL

5. At end of day, influence of large corporations in Washington have dominated conversation and we need more independence, Eldridge said

WTF? You would be one of the, if not the, wealthiest members of the House if you are elected.

6. Eldridge said chose to come to Hudson Valley because loves the area.

Especially viewing it from the top of a mountain in a two million dollar house.

7. Said he didn't move here just to run for Congress.

“Just” being the operative word.

8. Been an active member of the community and proud of work he's done, Eldridge said.

Really? Have you served on the Gardner town board or something? Who knew.

9. The Hudson Valley is our home and we're very committed to the small businesses we're working with, Eldridge said.

Hey mister! Let’s get something straight. The Hudson Valley is MY home. You couldn’t find it on a map two years ago, and you probably still don’t know whether Shokan is Dutch, Algonquian, British, or None of These. (And forget about pronouncing the names of the warriors of legend who have been defiled by your ritzy development.)

10. My husband and I have been fortunate, but that's a recent development. We didn't grow up wealthy, Eldridge said.

This response really demonstrates how out-of-touch you are with ordinary people. You are the child of doctors.

11. Facebook started 10 years ago, I met Chris 9 years ago, Eldridge said.

How old was the doctors’ son then...21? On what planet is this not growing up wealthy?

12. First job was working at Taco Bell and earning $5 .25 an hour, Eldridge said.

Hun? You had a teenage (I hope, because this really would be pathetic if you were older) job in a fast food joint. That this is even mentioned among your qualifications makes me wonder about how truly thin your resume is.

13. He said he believes in public service.

All right then. Route 28 really could use young, healthy volunteers to pick up trash along the highway.  Why not sign up? (Be sure to bring your tick spray.)

14. Because we've been blessed, we know we didn't make it on our own, Eldridge said. Want to make sure other people have that shot.

Is it possible for you to make all parents doctors and all spouses facebook millionaires? Did not know that. You are even more powerful than I thought.

15. We're not accepting any corporation of business political action committee money, Eldridge said. Wants to be an independence voice.

The benefit of being rich enough to buy a seat.

16. Fortunate that have money to be an independent voice in Washington, but want everyone to have same chance, Eldridge said.

See #14.

17. Yes, we have a diverse set of investments, but will fight for those companies to do what's right for environment and pay fair share, he said

Boy do I wonder exactly what horror is in that portfolio.

18. Seen veterans group speak out about SAFE Act. Is a gun owner himself. Believe can be balance, Eldridge said.

My BS-o-meter goes off with that one. (Not to mention, this dude has a gun? Why? Maybe to protect his property from the 99%, the peons down below in the valley?)

19. Would support many parts of the Farm Bill. But can do those things, while preserving free lunch programs, Eldridge said. Do both

Translation: Does not support farm bill.

20. Had a lot of national interest in the race, but have been focused on the publications/media in the district, Eldridge said.

Translation: Major support comes from outside district.

I'm in OK shape as the end of semester approaches. But, I am sure to plunge myself into a backlog shortly, as I plan to go to Buffalo to visit my "best" friend from November 22-24, and then from Thanksgiving until December 1 we'll be in Samsonville with little opportunity for working. I have an overly ambitious list of things to do on the days I will be working (tomorrow, and Monday-Wednesday of next week).

Monday was strangely warm, but since then it's gotten quite cold. One benefit, the skateboard-riding students have vanished.

Bugs hate me, spring 2013.

I have five incredibly itchy welts on my legs like this one. I got them on Sunday in Samsonville. It's now three days later and they show no sign of dissipating! I have no clue what the bugs were that bit me, as the bites did not hurt when they happened, and they did not itch right away. I was wearing long pants and not doing anything terribly adventurous, just sitting on the deck, with one stroll across the yard.

I had a wonderful Easter, starting with Holy Thursday at Sacred Heart (where Bob was asked to bring up the oil of chrism, and I was so pleased to see everyone admiring the kid's mosaics), Good Friday, dinner at my brother's, Mass Easter morning at St. Augustine's, brunch afterwards at my other brother's, and celebrating my sister's and brother's birthdays!


We went out to eat on Friday night after the service at church. When we got home, there was broken glass all over the place  in the road. There was some on the sidewalk as well. Also on the sidewalk was the back of what appeared to be a large picture frame. There was no photo to be found, though.

We suspect someone in a car threw the photo out of the window, perhaps in the midst of a (drunken) fight, then stopped or came back later and retrieved the picture, since it would be incriminating evidence. We immediately swept the road and the sidewalk, cleaned it all up, and then when we got home last night, Bob dumped our trash can into a bag, since we know the glass would be everywhere again if the can was emptied the way it was. What a mess! And what a jerk whomever it was who did it.

It was very cold last night -- this morning we awakened to a flurries. It was only a coating, enough to cover the ground, but still! It's April! 

Still cold in Samsonville but at least the snow is gone

Headed to Samsonville. Happy Easter!

Great piece. It's too bad this place is threatened.

It's a Samsonville weekend. Happy St. Patrick's Day! I always think of Mimmie.

Saturday's dinner party went smoothly, and was quite a feast! I felt, in true Mimmie-fashion, that the potato pancakes weren't my finest effort, and the jaegerschnitzel gravy could have been better. The applesauce, on the other hand, was fabulous. (One take-away message for me: crab is among my seafood allergies.)

Sam had a good time too

Now it's crunch time for getting ready for the semester! Lots to do, and little ambition. LOL. But, I will git 'r done.  Yesterday, I created a new folder for some saved email from students. I was torn between naming it "smart mouth," "r u kidding me?" "think b4 hitting send," "primadons and -donnas," "aren't u special" and "FU." Settled on just "issues." Sigh. This is life a week before the semester begins. Should be used to it by now!

Getting ready for the dinner party tonight. Decorating is done, have to put the finishing touches on the cooking, and then the least favorite part: cleaning! (Which I hate and consequently, deliberately suck at.) But I will get it done; actually, make that "we" -- Bob is not crazy about it either, but unlike me, is marvelously skilled.

Happy Birthday, Ma! 

This picture was taken in 1933.

Unrelated: WGNA chooses a town every Thursday and writes a song about it. Castleton was chosen this past Thursday. Listen here, it's pretty clever.

Advance cooking is all done, getting ready to head to S'ville. I was thinking as I cooked about the number of January birthdays there are among folks I know. My maternal grandfather's was January 2. He'd be 1139 if he was living! (He died in 1971 at age 97.) There's Bob's on January 5 (53 this year, now can that be possible...?).

I am the youngest of my siblings, and the youngest cousin on my mother's side, and the second youngest cousin on my father's; my mother's family is small (not including my brothers, sister and me, just three first cousins), but my father's is huge (without us, 19 first cousins). January 9 my youngest cousin on my father's side turned 50! That seems even harder to believe than Bob's age. January 10 was the birthday of one of my maternal first cousins., and then there is Ma's birthday tomorrow.

This isn't even including all the facebook notifications for people's birthdays I wouldn't remember otherwise (LOL seems appropriate here).

 One of those January birthdays

 Martin Eckert (Grandpa).
The back of this photo says "Uncle Mart natural as life. February 22, 1965 at my birthday 75th anniversary party old cuzzin Elwyn Squire Davis"

Great column, as usual.

I am hosting a dinner in honor of my mother's 80th birthday on Saturday...here's the menu:

The Samsonville tree is Charlie Brown all the way.

For some reason our power was out for three hours yesterday. Not sure why, but we did have 3-4 brownouts during the height of the storm, so maybe they shut it down on purpose to make a repair. That was the extent of the impact on my house in Castleton. In Samsonville, still no power, and the pool cover was ripped off and is in the water. Seems obnoxious to complain when so many lost everything, or live in places where there are few resources to be self-sufficient. Halloween...I do have candy on hand, and I made an effort to make the porch semi-respectable, but so far no trick or treaters. [Later: they started coming soon after I wrote this.] [Still later: We had more kids this year than we've had in at least the past five. The groups were huge! I was afraid we would run out of candy -- but didn't quite. We shut the lights out at 8:30.]

I was thinking about TB/TC (my marvelous cat Teddy) because he came from south NJ, just about where the storm made landfall. I wonder how the couple is who gave him away. He spends many hours in the day time outside, weather permitting, and even sometimes when it is lightly raining. He LOVES it. It is another of the many ways he is similar to Edna. There was no keeping her inside, even though I did not want her to be an outdoor cat. She wasn't, did not spend nights out there, but she had to go outside or she became grouchy and she would do her best to slip outside when the door was opened. In her case, she jumped the fence and went wherever she wanted. That's the reason her being out made me nervous. But, no harm came to her, and she always came back when called. To say my house is a good place for cats is an understatement. The yard is one story below street level, it backs up a deep ravine that has a cemetery on the other side, and so Edna never went in the front of  the house near the road.

Teddy can't get out of the fence, both because he does not seem inclined to try, and because he was declawed when I adopted him. I believe cat declawing (like dog ear and tail docking) to be cruel animal abuse, and it is something I would never have done. My vet shares the philosophy and would not agree to do it. I think in Teddy's case it was especially mean, as it was done when he was an adult -- five years old, in fact. But I admit that his lack of claws means no jumping and escaping from the yard, and so I can let him stay out there as long as his heart desires without a bit of worry.

The Hudson flooded a bit, and the wind howled, but all my services stayed on. All of my family in the Catskills are without power, internet and telephone -- trees are down everywhere so it will probably take a long time to restore. (Don't get me started on how irritated this makes me since there is still no cell service in Samsonville! So no communication with my parents once again.) Bob's brother was evacuated in Hoboken, lost power and there is some water in his place. Out on Long Island, his father lost power for a while but it has already been restored. It's still rather windy, but I am on campus today. It seems quiet -- some students may be away, and others with no electricity may have opted to stay home, but otherwise, everything is operating normally. I see the media has stopped labeling it last week's "frankenstorm" in favor of "superstorm Sandy."

Sam was oblivious -- just wanted to play fetch (as usual), but Rosie and TB/TC were shaken by the wind noise. Or maybe they were just competing for the blanket...

This is more a windstorm than a flood for us, unlike Irene, but the Hudson is surging (allegedly, I did not walk down to check) because the Long Island Sound is backing up into it. Schools closed early so catechism was canceled, classes were also canceled (but i don't teach on Mondays anyway). So far I still have electricity and DSL. And telephone, because my "landline" is home phone connect, which uses the cell tower rather than wire. And, of course, my regular cell is working (mostly, I have an unrelated tech issue that will take a visit to the store to resolve since phone support couldn't figure it out). West Shokan, Olivebridge and Samsonville are without power, but I think the cable is still working, at least for now. I unplugged my femocell before we left last night, to protect it from a power surge. At $250, I didn't want to risk it. The night is still young, so stay tuned. Or not, if my power goes out!

I think everyone is extra apprehensive about "Frankenstorm" because of Hurricane Irene last August. Will Sandy + a nor'easter + an arctic blast be even worse? I am so glad we spent two weekends getting the Castleton yard in shape. Another half-hour or so of work, and there will be no hazards remaining. This weekend, we will have to tackle Samsonville. It isn't a big deal, only some lawn furniture on the deck and patio. (We closed the pool three weeks ago -- very late! But the weekend in September when it was on the agenda was the weekend my father was diagnosed with a brain tumor, and there was no way we were doing it until he was home after surgery.) We also have to hunt and gather survival supplies for next week: candles, lamp oil, etc. Kerosene? Will it be that cold? There is always the risk that it will be much ado about nothing -- but better safe than sorry. Not one to complain when they get it wrong and there was minimal impact: that's when to be relieved, who cares if I have extra candles. Much better outcome than the storm being worse than predicted.

Added: State of Emergency declared.

Took advantage of the nice day and weed whacked. It is still damp outside but I also emptied some of the tomato containers near the fence. The fence is hanging together on a lick and a promise -- it badly needs replacement now that we have Rosie, who is a scamp. Keeps us busy -- in Samsonville, the fence is in good shape but it was designed for larger dogs, not little teeny beagles. She isn't as obsessed with getting out in Castleton, luckily. The fence here would be very easy for her to slip through if she worked at it. Not solely due to the large dog thing -- it is wooden and getting to be in bad shape. Some sections need replacement. It's on "the list" that never ends, and who knows when the task will ascend to the top bullet. I am constantly fussing over it, locating trouble spots, doing rube goldberg repairs on gaps where she could escape. As I mentioned, fortunately she doesn't try very hard here. The rabbits must be farther away than in Samsonville (where they are under the sheds and on ledges right next to the fence).

Professionally, I've been working on some articles for a magazine for charter school leaders. The assignment sort of fell in my lap unexpectedly, on the day of my father's surgery. So far, I think it will be a rewarding experience. I'm also going to teach winter session again.