AUSTERLITZ

What’s in a Name?- Saul Alinsky

2012-01-24T17:06:00.001-05:00

What do John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King, Sargent Shriver, Saul Alinsky, Dorothy Day, Mother Teresa, Desmond Tutu and Lech Walesa have in common? All of them had a passion to change the world in which they lived to a more just, more peaceful, more equal society. All did their share to alleviate poverty, injustice, and inequality. And all of them and several Bishops, priests, and politicians from around the world were awarded the Pacem in Terris Award. The description of this award from Wikipedia is:

"The Pacem in Terris Peace and Freedom Award is a Catholic peace award which has been given annually since 1964, in commemoration of the 1963 encyclical letter "Pacem in Terris" (Peace on Earth) of Pope John XXIII. It is awarded "to honor a person for their achievements in peace and justice, not only in their country but in the world."[1]
The award was begun, in 1963, by the Davenport Catholic Interracial Council[2] of the Diocese of Davenport in the U.S. state of Iowa. Since 1976, the award has been presented each year by the Quad Cities Pacem in Terris Coalition. In 2010, sponsors of the award were the Diocese of Davenport, St. Ambrose University, Augustana College, Churches United of the Quad-Cities, Pax Christi, The Catholic Messenger, the Congregation of the Humility of Mary, the Sisters of St. Benedict, the Muslim Community of the Quad Cities, and the Sisters of St. Francis.[3]"

So when Catholic Newt Gingrich rails against President Barack Obama for being a follower of Saul Alinsky's radical politics, I would urge the Speaker to learn and know that a strong contingent of Catholics, from Iowa of all places, has awarded Mr. Alinsky, a Jewish man, this prestigious award, and he should also know that the President was only 10 when Alinsky died, and hardly a follower of him. Probably, many of the policies that President Obama has put into play and wishes to enact would also be in line with what the Pacem in Terris awards committee deems meritorious and worthy of award. So why not call President Obama a Pacem in Terris radical? Probably because just the name Saul Alinsky sounds so foreign and a little scary for a name, sort of like Barak Hussein Obama (or even Newt Gingrich.)

Flip-flopping

2012-01-21T12:44:00.001-05:00

Flip-flopping means changing your expressed ideas to match the mood or sentiments of a given group in order to gain their adulation and support. ( I made up this definition, but I think it is accurate.) It is used often of politicians in pursuit of high office to deride their change in positions, or actions taken that were different from what they have expressed. Any deviation from a previously held position is looked upon as a traitorous flip-flop.

I do not like to use such a derisive term for anyone, unless it is apparent, and transparent that such is the case.

I like to leave room for growth through thoughtful reconsideration. I would not like to be held to the ideas which I held at any other stage of my life, other than the present. Some of my ideas from ages past are still valid, some are vastly changed. I believe those which have changed are steps toward growth; those which are still valid have been refined; all are subject to future refinement through thoughtful reconsideration.

Here are some unembellished examples:

Might makes right-I remember writing a composition about this for the English regents examination in high school. I justified a strong military with the notion that USA could do whatever, as long as we had the might to do it. Simple, yes; also unprincipled and naïve. I no longer believe that. I have grown and changed my mind. I now question the use of the military in almost all circumstances, and would welcome diplomacy as the ultimate source of peace in the world.
Catholic education should be the rule for Catholics, and it should and will be supported no matter what- Throughout the years, I have come to realize the value of a public education as I participated in that as a teacher and guidance counselor over the years. For all the good of the Catholic education that I had, I have come to realize that there are huge benefits that come through the public process, and that is important to support.
Martin Luther King- When he first opposed the War in Vietnam, I thought he was overstepping his boundaries. Within months, I had changed my mind about his stance on the war, and realized he was right on.
Divorce- It was a huge no-no when I grew up, but over the years, I have come to understand why it happens, and why it is necessary at times to save individuals involved in a bad situation.

There are many other thoughts, attitudes, ways that have shaped the me who is writing and living now. Thank the source of life and love for that.

I think that is the way with most people. We should never judge; but listen. Listen for the grown up; listen for the now person; listen to understand. Who knows what tomorrow will bring.

Scott and Sheila

2012-01-19T22:24:00.001-05:00

Man keeps Death Penalty in Focus

http://www.registerstar.com/articles/2012/01/10/news/doc4f0bc08d000ec408406526.txt

This article in the local paper from last week is about two friends of mine who have dedicated themselves to speaking the truth to power under very difficult circumstances. Being an advocate for prisoners, whether in our prisons in North Carolina and Texas, or offshore in Guantanamo, Afganistan, or the "black sites" mentioned in the article, requires thoughtful commitment, inspiration, and fortitude that is over and above where most of us are in our thoughtful lives. We rarely think of the prisoners because of the reputation they have, and our own cynical attitudes... "If they are in prison, they must be bad, or have thought about being bad to us or others." The imprisoned managed to get a call out from Jesus in the sermon on the mount, mentioned in the beatitudes, of which there are only eight.

Righting wrong, crying out for justice and against injustice, is what the gospel is all about. Giving people rights such as trial by jury, speedy adjudication, and freedom from cruel and inhuman punishment is part of what our Constitution is about.

I think Scott and Sheila have it right in the cause that they pursue so ardently. We should support them in any way we can if we are not on the front lines of this movement to assure rights for all people, even those we usually look upon as most despicable. When rights are eroded in any way, it is like the shoreline of our great beaches after a hurricane, and the sands shift quickly, leaving other rights in the balance.

Go Scott and Sheila!

The Great Compromise (or why we have all these idiots in Congress)

2011-08-02T11:33:00.000-04:00

I have watched with great dismay the ugly battle in congress over he debt ceiling increase. I realize that issues are complicated, and solutions are elusive. The real losers in this debate is of course the American citizens who have lost almost $3 billion in interest and in taxes in the debt ceiling battle in the past three weeks, not to mention loss in stock value and other things such as prestige and mental health. Compromise has become a dirty word, as one side decided it was more important to remain faithful to a pledge kept in a vault and not give any ground than to remain faithful to their constituents and the voters' concerns.

It was the Great Compromise that allowed the USA to have so many representatives in the first place. Perhaps there never should have been a compromise in 1787 that allowed for a bicameral congress. Maybe there are not enough statesmen(women) available to have 535 people in the congress, so there is an opening for idiots. There has been a plethora of "leaders' who have tunnel vision, one issue, without regard for the broad issues that affect all Americans, and the real solutions to the problems.

Perhaps our founders had it wrong. One house in congress, only two representatives per state (the Senate) or maybe one house with the number of representatives based only on population may have been simpler. Of course, there had to be the three fifths compromise which allowed for the slave states to pad their population totals by counting slaves but not as equal to non-slaves. Then there was the compromise of 1850 which allowed California to enter the union as a free state, as long as fugitive slaves could be returned to their owners.

Compromise does have its difficult side, and brings about the general welfare at times; but it has its rough edges that really hurt at other times. I guess the bottom line is who gets screwed in the final analysis, the rich or the poor, or all of us.

Doomsday! I don't think so.

2011-05-21T13:18:00.000-04:00

So this is doomsday. What rubbish! For years, centuries, religion has been hijacked by fringe elements in society. These elements use any "holy book" to justify the craziest and often the most deadly hateful actions. From crusades to jihad, Jonestown to polygamous slavery in the beautiful Rockies, bombing of health clinics to stoning women for adultery.

When will we realize that the "holy books" justify nothing but good behavior toward each other, that life is more important than death or inflicting such on others, and we ought to judge no one.

The books were written in a time and place for a people living in that time and place. Some of the items in the books present us with timeless truths in an easy to recall format: blessed are those who hunger and thirst for justice, for example. Usually, the more recent writings offer corrections on the older writings, and indeed, there are things written in the books which have been corrected by great teachers and society since then: refinements on marriage that have freed women from slavery to a husband, same sex relationships, and more. We are a living breathing society, ever striving to come to grips with the world in which we live. We take time honored truth and apply it to our times, with nuances that adapt to our time.

Most of all, it is not at all helpful for "prophets" or "clergy" to twist the truth contained in the "holy books" to manipulate people who depend on them for leadership.

Holy Saturday- get ready for tomorrow

2011-04-23T11:02:00.000-04:00

Holy Saturday is always an odd day in the calendar. Sort of like, everything happened that could happen last week, and now we wait. Of course in this scenario, we know the happy ending of resurrection. Life is similar to Holy Saturday. We live it to the hilt, everything happens, and fortunately, there is resurrection in the form of relief, new challenges, and new life.

An easy example is the transition from one job to a new one in another city. What happens in between! There is relief that one phase is over. There is a feeling of accomplishment that one job has been done well. We will miss the close contacts and immediate support of friends made over the years. We also remember the pain of growing into that job and the battle to maintain ourselves in our position despite the machinations of those who would undo our successes.

Then the new job comes. It means severing ties and moving to a new venue. The job description seems okay and doable. The new digs are yet to be determined. Relationships have to be built. There is time for buyers remorse. Ghosts and chasms pop into our minds as we wait for the next phase, that of resurrection.

Resurrection takes the same grit and attitude that worked in maintaining ourselves at the previous job. It is not easy. There are boulders to be moved to escape the comfort of the tomb and get on with the readjustment necessary to stand up and accomplish great things. It gets done by doing.

The example of job transition is used here, but apply this to any transition phase of life, and see the similarities as we go from work to retirement, healthy unassisted living to disability, spouse to care giving spouse, life to death. Attitude, respite, reset make life liveable.

So, the Holy Saturday phase of life becomes the time of mental adjustment, a brief period to move on from the old ways, take care of ourselves, and get ready for the resurrected life of tomorrow.

Simply a magazine

2011-04-20T14:37:00.000-04:00

It seems so simple. Pick up a Martha Stewart Living and start paging through it. feel the pages, caress them a bit, squeeze them to separate them, the aroma of ink, get a close up. Stop. That looks interesting. Maybe start at the back. Hard to find a table of contents or even page numbers. Neat ads. full page, lots of color. Spring flowers, "unhidden gems", chef's special, "tarts from the heart". The latest from Kitchen Aid, Coldwater Creek, Chase or Chanel. Just by turning the pages. Enjoying every moment.

And when she has exhausted that one, there's Time on "Why we're still fighting the Civil War" with a teary Abe Lincoln on the cover, an article in Style about the upcoming royal wedding, a hot ten questions to Robert Redford ; McDonald's, Pringle's, and Direct TV ads. Still the feel of the friendly page. No pressure, no buttons to go back or forward. A fanciful excursion into other worlds.

And then there's Bon Appetit- the Italian issue. This is another world. "Cook like a real Italian." "Text after marriage"- hmmm! what's that about?

There was nothing to turn on. No reason to feel technologically challenged. No frustration. Just a normal brain pattern, learned in childhood. Then it was Collier's, Saturday Evening Post, Life and Look. It was then and still is pure pleasure.

Budget- part 2

2011-04-05T12:04:00.000-04:00

I heard the republicans presenting the idea to cut the budget immensely over the next several years, and they pull at my heart strings when the claim is made to hand over a debt free situation to our grandchildren. They deserve to be debt free.

What will life be like for these grandchildren? First of all, they will have had an inferior education in overcrowded class rooms and deteriorating schools. Now that's something to leave them with. They will be able to grapple with how to rebuild schools, and reduce class loads for teachers. They will have the opportunity to determine how to afford a college education for their children. They will feel the sting of jobs moving abroad because that is where the industries have decided is the better trained and less expensive labor force is. It is cheaper to do business because of the favorable tax situation in those countries. The grand kids will have the chance to solve these problems.

Now how about the roads, bridges, cities, and parks. The infrastructure for all of these is presently on the way to depletion. How will our grandchildren travel? How will goods and produce be shipped? There will be longer and round about ways of doing this, causing higher prices for everything. Fortunately, they will not have to visit the national parks, because they also will be in a state of disrepair. The grand kids will have the opportunity to decide how to rebuild everything for their grandchildren. Why deprive them of these opportunities? At least they will not be saddled with our debt, some of which might have given them some decent roads, cities, parks and bridges.

And we can reduce medicare and medicaid. This really helps the grandchildren. It guarantees that there will be plenty of sickness to go around. It assures them that they will have less of a chance of getting the health care they need. Well, maybe not all grandchildren. Just the ones who happen to need this kind of support because they cannot afford any other health insurance. This situation will give that generation the opportunity to do what the grandparents were too fainthearted to do, solve the health care issue.

America will indeed be the land of opportunity for our grandchildren because we have left them the problems instead of the debt. Now that's quite a gift!

I am in favor of the proposal made by Obama's non-.budget committee becoming the working document for reform.

Phone service, make that call!

2011-03-30T18:02:00.001-04:00

Just a strange thing. Fairpoint, our phone and internet provider, had sent me and thousands of other customers a brochure offering to save me $20 a month for a year. I figured it was not worth my time because I was already getting one of their best deals. I could use up to 150 minutes a month long distance. No additional charge for local. There was call waiting and voice mail. It was bundled with internet access. What more could you ask from a provider that has no competition in our area. They are in the driver's seat on this. No Verizon tower near enough for wireless, and no internet without Fairpoint either. I decided to waste my time and a call one more time. "Hey, ya never know!" as the lottery ad touts.
Come to find out, they don't even offer the plan I was on any more. I had what I had, yet they were not selling it any more. But surely, if I exceeded my 150 minutes, I would be nicked for .10 a minute over that. Yet, they were not going to simply change me to a new plan unless I called them first. Just keep paying the old price, and the old penalty.
So the new plan is $20 less, unlimited long distance (almost everything is long distance from here.) After a year, the price goes up $10. If I quit them, the only provider of service here, before the year is up, I have to pay them $99.
Funny, of all the useless calls I get from all sorts of nutty companies, one from Fairpoint would have been most welcome. And I urge all of you to check out the phone plans that were good five years ago to make sure they are still the deal they appeared to be then. No one is watching out for you except yourself. Caveat emptor!

March Madness: Notre Dame, what happened?

2011-03-22T13:18:00.000-04:00

As "March Madness" envelopes the land, I try to rise above the fray. There are no teams or coaches that I particularly care about. Jimmer Freddette from Glens Falls, NY is one whom I like to keep an eye on. I sometimes look at the conferences to see how many teams from each make it into the sweet sixteen. There are two big east teams left, from a record number of eleven teams in the final 60 or so. Maybe that is the correct proportion. I would follow it more carefully for the first round if Siena made it to the big dance.

But I like Notre Dame, a big east competitor. Phyllis' Uncle Bart was a ND graduate in 1930 something. He watched and taped every game possible and often returned to his alma mater for a football game. He remembered the great ones, whom I have forgotten. The night he died, in his nineties, he watched ND win a close basketball game. I had the pleasure of watching the first half with him in the hospital. Phyllis and Pat were with me, and when it was time to go home, Pat said to him "Do you mind if we leave/" And he looked at them and then at me and said with a twinkle in his eye "He can stay." Of course that was not possible. So I guess I watch Notre Dame sports in his memory, knowing that where Bart is sitting now, he can do a lot more for his team, sometimes.

So I decided to watch Notre Dame enter the sweet sixteen for 2011. I think Bart fell asleep. I think the whole team did. The ball seemed to bounce into FSU players hands whenever ND had it. The hoops seemed to elevate a foot or two whenever they attempted an inside shot, and beyond the circle.while the ball was in mid-air, magically, the hoop moved back a couple of feet producing an air ball. FSU jumped higher, shot way better, and outplayed the only team I was interested in (except Jimmer's team BYU). I lasted until one minute was left in the first half, and joined Bart in sleep. Maybe I was mad.

UN, Libya, US, quo vadis?

2011-03-21T16:31:00.000-04:00

In the early 1960s, while I was living and going to school in Washington, DC, I happened to stumble into a Senate hearing at which Adlai Stevenson was testifying. It could have been a confirmation hearing for Stevenson to assume the ambassadorship to the United Nations. It was easy to get into hearings in those days. I was not fully aware of all the politics that were going on then. Some of those in the hearing included Senator Everett Dirksen and Senator Edward Kennedy. It was Stevenson who was in the lime light, and he relished it. He gave lots of reasons for maintaining membership in the UN and supporting the organization. Among the reasons were the police actions the UN had accomplished in many countries around the globe which were broadly supported by member nations, and which actions would have been impossible if the United States had attempted to do them alone. Participation in the organization made interventions possible because of the shared vision, workload and costs.

Today, the UN has endorsed an action in Libya to safeguard the citizenry there from the threatening vengeful ruler, Khaddafy. We can only hope that the benefits enunciated by Ambassador Stevenson many years ago hold true today. No one wants the USA involved in another war. People here and abroad are tired of America interfering in many other nations' affairs. Here, we ask, where does intervention stop? Why not march into other rebellions- Iran for instance? Do opposition leaders expect USA support and protection? Why Libya, and not another place? Who pays for it all? What guarantees a good outcome for the US?

I think I am glad for the UN to take up the cause of the Libyan people.I am sad that it comes down to arms as a method of solving the problem. I want the people to win, and live in freedom. I worry when bluster replaces real diplomacy. I believe in the latter. There are so many questions and concerns which result in confusion and uncertainty, and I would like to see the US, the UN, and all parties get back on the right track.

Rah rah, St. Patrick!

2011-03-17T09:58:00.002-04:00

Yesterday, I broke open the box that contained decorations for "Holidays other than Christmas" and placed a few statues of leprechauns around the room, some candles with shamrocks and similarly enhanced napkins and paper plates on the table, and then began hanging some strings of shamrocks on the beams of the porch. It was a beautiful sunshiny March 16, and I began singing what amounted to St. Patrick's Day carols.

"Hail glorious St. Patrick, dear saint of our Isle,
on your dear sweet children bestow a sweet smile..."

Something like that. I looked around and Phyllis was laughing at my antics, and I realized that her experience in catholic schools was way different from mine. She went to Immaculate Conception School, whereas I was privileged to go to the school named after the greatest saint of all, Patrick.

St. Patrick rocks. He drove the snakes out of Ireland, he tamed the heathen by picking a shamrock and explaining the inexplicable doctrine of the Trinity. But he probably did his share of tippling at the pub, might have tossed refrigerators or microwaves out the window to get rid of those evils. He was our hero, head and shoulders above others. He inspired raucous songs that bring people together and help us unite in the wearing of the green. What a guy!

What can you do with Immaculate Conception, or if you were unlucky enough to go to St. Peter's, or Paul's, or any of the others? Maybe look with wonder and envy as the real saint is honored, and his revelers rejoice!

Rah! Rah! St. Patrick!

Teacher, Unions, and Budget

2011-03-07T14:11:00.000-05:00

With all the hubbub about breaking unions as the way to fiscal balance, and teacher unions in particular; with notions that these unions are protecting the weaker members; movement to eliminate the last in first out protection for long term employees; I am glad that there are teachers' unions.
Good teachers are also protected by unions, and I would say there are more good ones than bad ones. Many good teachers stay for years in the same school district because they were rightly evaluated and found to be competent and effective and granted tenure. They continue to grow and improve with age. They have built up a wealth of understanding about what makes kids tick. They have developed and continue to develop methods that help students learn. These teachers are often in the middle or near the top of the pay scale.
Without protection, they could be eliminated, replaced with new teachers, and the cost of education plummets, until these new teachers get up onto the pay scale in a couple of years, and they in turn could also be fired. The students would have been denied the expertise of the seasoned teachers, and would be in the hands of the untested, inexperienced group.
Administrators seem to indicate that tenure is unbreakable, and so incompetent teachers cannot be fired. That is not true. It can be done if the administrators make the case and follow the procedures. Is it easy, no. Is it possible yes. Perhaps instead of berating teachers and their unions, it would behoove the people in charge of education to do their jobs as they evaluate, grant tenure, set standards, and exercise other responsibilities in helping our students to learn.
Add to the list on which everyone is evaluated, administrators, board members, teachers, students- did he or she encourage and support or try new ways to teach and to learn. That is the bottom line we should be looking for in our schools.

Budget reduction beginning at the top- Part one

2011-02-25T17:12:00.000-05:00

I believe that people should be compensated justly for what they do, however in these difficult times, sacrifices must be made. Congress should put everything on the table, including their own salaries and other officials who eventually get rich doing whatever they do. According to my calculations, simply by paying 80% of salary to our senators, representative, and federal judges, we would cut the federal budget by $120,000,000. The congressional part includes all 535 senators and congress persons base salaries. The judicial part include approximately 3000 federal judge positions. Include the supreme court justices and another $400,000 can be added. I looked at the 182 ambassador positions, but their compensation at between $130-170,000 may be okay. Perhaps we don't need an ambassador to Fiji, since we seem to do without them in countries like Iran.

Maybe this could be looked upon as nickel and dimeing a budget that is way out of control, but that seems to be an approach that some would like to take, so let's go for it.

Letter to Senator Gillibrand

2011-02-10T16:21:00.000-05:00

We have been retired from public school teaching for about 12 years now. We have pensions from the NYSTRS and Social Security. This year we filed our 2010 tax return, and holy cow, our taxes actually went up $288. Our return indicates substantially the same income figures as last year. We had ordered with held the correct amount to cover the taxes. What changed? The standard deduction was lowered by $1000. (Our itemization indicated that this was the best deduction to take.) Our taxes went up, contrary to what had been loudly proclaimed over the past couple of months. There is an injustice here. And it probably extends to all who must take the standard deduction. Perhaps the richer among us should not be able to itemize deductions, but take only the standard deduction.
And a final note... there was no social security cost of living increase nor lump sum rebate as was given in previous years.
We old folks are paying for the tax cut to the rich. Please share this with your colleagues on all sides of the aisle, and the president.

Guns and snow

2011-01-12T12:13:00.013-05:00

About five feet of snow has fallen so far this winter around here. It seems like a lot, but nothing can prevent the vicissitudes of mother nature. Our second major snow fall is winding down with blustery winds, and about 2 feet od snow overall. The snow is beautiful but could be dangerous if a person combines that with a trip to the store, as one exercises a privilege to drive.
As for guns, I do not think that tragedies associated with guns only happen at a distance from these hills. Several times in my lifetime around here, I have been touched by gun violence, at Chatham High and at Simon's Rock to name two.
I have heard much about second amendment rights. I wonder if it is not time to look at the second amendment and repeal it. It is outdated. We have changed the Constitution many times to allow for the direct election of senators, ensure equal rights for all, provide for income tax to be assessed, limit the terms of our presidents, allow for succession in the event of the medical incapacity of a president, and many others. There have been proposals to amend the constitution to prohibit flag burning and gay marriage and other things.
It seems to me that the Constitution deals with God-given rights, which come to us with birth, and provisions for governance.
The second amendment is an aberration, suited to a particular time period after the war of revolution. It has no relevance in today's society. Repeal it. The feds can then regulate what is necessary to secure the overall public safety. Further gun regulation would then become within the power of the states as a power not assigned to the federal government. Treat gun ownership as a privilege, as we do driving (in the snow?).
I have not fully worked this through, but why not look at this?

Summer passing

2010-08-25T15:47:00.000-04:00

It has been a while since my last post. We have enjoyed our back porch more than ever this summer. Beautiful sunny days, plenty of heat, shade under our awning; birds, deer, pleasant conversation as recovery continues...seems like an endless process...we will get there...as summer passes and fall begins.

Spring forward

2010-03-12T08:53:00.004-05:00

I just did a 2 mile walk as far as Van Altynes and back in 30 minutes.I have decided that I would eventually like to do 4 miles in one hour, which is almost to the Hillsdale line south of here. I could then reach Great Barrington in 3 hours or Chatham in 2. Wow!

The big news this spring is that Phyllis continues to progress in rehab, and will then join me in her own way on these jaunts. She was a cheerleader, after all. The promise of the crocus, still hiding beneath the snow takes on reality with the fragrance of fresh flowers sent by well wishers and delivered to her temporary "home".

There is much anticipation. The resurrection has taken on new meaning as we spring forward, clear the cob webs, bake some Easter bucellatte and get ready for the homecoming. I offer this poem from William Wordsworth. My rainbow is Phyllis, and my life began anew when I met her

My Heart Leaps Up
by William Wordsworth

My heart leaps up when I behold
A rainbow in the sky:
So was it when my life began;
So is it now I am a man;
So be it when I shall grow old,
Or let me die!
The Child is father of the Man;
And I could wish my days to be
Bound each to each by natural piety.

Checking on Spring

2010-03-06T15:49:00.003-05:00

Today was the day to check out the progress of spring. A windswept partially cloudy sky that let in a lot of sunshine brought the temperature to nearly fifty degrees, if you walked south, and probably about 35 windy degrees as you walked north. The neighborhood was busier than usual: a father and his son splitting wood in the field behind the post office; a mother and two of her children collecting sap from the maple trees, and generally a softening of everything as the snow melted gently onto the back roads. There are little red buds on some of the smaller tree and bushes, and the birds seem more active. The firehouse marquee reminded all to turn their clocks ahead next week, and more importantly, change the batteries in your smoke detectors. Spring is making inroads all over the place.

My spring this year will see Phyllis smiling face monitoring the bird feeders, the spring planting, the early mowing. She will see the plants sent to her in rehab gently placed into the earth for rebirth another year. I think this part of spring will occur before the calendar spring, and certainly before the snow is gone.

Phyllis is making great progress. Rehab has been as good as it gets. Come on spring! We need your brightness, sunshine, and lullabies.

2010-03-04T07:56:00.004-05:00

It's been a while since I have had the time or energy to post anything. Sometimes, life takes turns that require more steering, and often crashes happen despite the best of caution. This sounds ominous, and it is. I don't like to write about the bad things that happen, the crashes. I prefer the good times, so here goes.

Phyllis is recovering from a hip fracture. As she progresses toward recovery in rehab, I am confident about her prognosis, although I am aware that a walker will inevitably be a part of our lives forever. We can deal with that.

Phyllis has a smile and way that wins hearts and minds. This is unchanged. Dozens of cards with get well wishes have been sent her way. She is loved by many, and she is grateful for all.

We hope to be a household again in a couple of weeks. Healing is so indeterminate. It will work, on time for spring, alive with robins, magnolia, crocus, and a fresh garden, and a refreshed Phyllis.

Summer toil

2009-09-11T13:20:00.003-04:00

The garage is virtually empty after a great tag sale last week end. A few last minute touches (paint the interior of the doors and windows, install the garage door opener, wash down the work benches), and we have our garage back. It was quite a summer. I learned a little about how insurance works (don't be shy about claims), about cleansers (some actually do clean soot better than others), about craigslist.com (you can really sell things there, but there will be a lot of junk mail beginning with "I too was down and out and had to sell things, and now I have some advice for you at www----"), about tag sales (no way to make a living, but a great opportunity to meet the neighbors). Soon, I will finish my original summer project- painting the house. I have an area the size of a coffee table to do. Where will I go on vacation?

Mower burns in my Garage

2009-08-11T10:36:00.007-04:00

What a mess! I thought I had only lost a mower, but that was only a small part of it. The garage had to be emptied, power washed, sprayed with shellac. Much of the contents had to be tossed. It is a labor of love, and it has ocupied my life for the last two weeks, and probably the next two. More on this later... I am going out to the garage.

Easter Time,present and past

2009-04-11T14:41:00.004-04:00

Yesterday, we drove through the Hoosick Street area of Troy to get to Schaghticoke where Jean and Bill now live. Our purpose was to deliver Bucellate, a traditional Easter bread that members of our family have made for the past one hundred years or so. The recipe changes with time. It came from my Italian grandmother who measured everything in handfuls, and pinches, and small amount, or a little bit, un poco. My mother sat at a table in her mother-in-law's kitchen and wrote down the recipe as it was being made.

Mom became the expert and we became addicted to the process and the tradition. We saw lots of eggs, flour, sugar, yeast ending up in a huge amount of batter that mom pounded and kneaded and tossed in our faces as we lined up along the edge of the kitchen table where she worked. The eggs were blown out, and the intact shells were colored to add to the array of hard boiled Easter eggs. The bread was distributed to relatives and friends, and lots of it was eaten by us.

Mary and Jean still make the bread using the time honored recipe, with a few tweaks. I, on the other hand, make the bread using a recipe that I found in a bread book. As I was growing up, I could not figure out how to spell the name of the bread. It always came out as "oogellah". None of my Italian studies permitted me see this combination of letters. Did it start with an "o" or a "u", or both. One Sunday afternoon, when Mom and Dad were visiting us at our home in Austerlitz, NY, we were showing off our new bread book. Dad leapt from his chair as were were riffling through the pages and cried out "Buccelad!", and there it was. The mysteries were solved: how to spell it and how to make it!

Driving up Hoosick Street further jogged my memory. When we were little, probably up to age ten or so, often on Sunday afternoon, Dad, George and I would walk from our house on River Street to Grandma Palladino's house on Sixteenth Street. It was up a hill, over a railroad bridge, past Clay Mountain, and a few more blocks to the house. We were always welcomed there. A pot of sauce was always on the stove. Dad's brothers and sisters were around. They always offered us ginger ale that tickled our nose, and they made much of us. But one thing about those visits that sticks in my mind was the way we dressed, always in our best, always handsomely, and at Easter time, we wore Fedora hats with a feather. We were so cool!

Happy Easter!

April Fool's

2009-04-04T15:31:00.005-04:00

Crocus in bloom- the brave soldiers of spring...

Our house birthday corresponds with April Fool's Day. Thirty five years ago on this date, we closed on this handy man's special. The Twiss family had moved out that day; we checked constantly to make sure they were gone, and about 4:00 pm, we brought some blankets, clothes, baby crib, and our son Dan into our new c.1780-1800 house, lit a fire in the fireplace and declared we were home.

The neighbors on the hill almost called the fire company when they saw the smoke encircling the house, but thought better of it when they realized the plume was coming from the chimney.

Dan and Meg knew this as their home and playground until college claimed them. The fields were lush with grass, the meadows burgeoning with tall tansy, goldenrod, and sapling spruce trees. A hike through the forest to the big rock was a thrilling summer or fall afternoon. A ride down the toboggan slope in winter followed by hot chocolate kept us alive and joyful even in the bleak winter days. Summer gardens provided a plethora of fresh flowers and tomatoes. Tasty homemade pies came from the Northern Spy apple tree, the elderberry bushes, and the rhubarb patch. Red and black raspberries were consumed at picking when we were able to beat the birds to the snack.

We have enjoyed these years hosting dozens of family reunions at Christmas and the Fourth of July, neighbor parties, friends old and new. There were teachers who celebrated monumental moments of retirement or moving on to better jobs, and some who came to our screen house to plan educational revolution at Chatham High School.

And now we are warm in our house, content with where we have been. We continue our journey in life. Soon we will be the longest occupants of the house since the day it was built. Today we will plant the tomato seeds indoors. Tomorrow, we will till part of the garden and hope for some spring turnips, peas, and kale; and of course a few rhubarb pies.

We are April's fools.

St. Patrick's Day

2009-03-17T11:15:00.003-04:00

"Hibernia's champion saint all hail, this day your, glory sounds;
The offspring of your ardent zeal, this day your praise shall sound.
Great and glorious St. Patrick, pray for thy dear country.
Great and glorious St. Patrick, hearken to the prayers of your children."

We sang this with such gusto as we celebrated his day as children at St. Patrick's School in Troy. The Saint's likeness was and still is portrayed in stained glass above the altar of the church, and a larger than life sized statue graced the hall way at the entrance to the school auditorium.

Why did we really celebrate? St. Patrick was a hero for the many children of Ireland, and the millions who had come to America. We held him in high esteem as the greatest person ever from our heritage, a personal symbol of power, faith, and resurrection for a poor and down- trodden people.

Proudly, we embraced him and we celebrated his legendary accomplishments, and hoped for continued miracles in our day. I don't think we have been disappointed, but he (we) still has a lot of work to do.

Hang in there!

2009-03-07T14:44:00.004-05:00

If a bank re-values a mortgage because it is upside down (the value of the house is less than the principal), should the bank re-value the mortgage when the principal is less than the value of the house? If a person bought a house, it is only worth less if an owner must sell for less.
If a person pays the mortgage on time, and the equity starts to build because of improvements, or better home values in an improved market, then the owner will be happy.
There is something wrong headed about re-valuing mortgages.
I bought a house twenty years ago at top dollar, $73,000. Because of the city it was in, and the possible progression of urban decay, it was later valued by the bank at about $50,000. I was trying to get out of an adjustable rate mortgage into a fixed rate at the time. I had to, and was able to come up with several thousand additional dollars to make it worthwhile for the bank to do this change. At no time was the bank ready to forgive any of the principal.
Some constraints required me to hang on to that property through a severe downturn in the home market. Eighteen years later, the market had turned around-property in that section of the city had become desirable; a few improvements had been made; and the house sold for $95,000. I had excellent use of the property through those years, had a tax and interest deduction on my income tax throughout, made some people happy, and in the end made a small profit.
So, the moral is, hang in, hang on, and relax. Tough times usually yield to better times.

Tom, Tim, Taxes

2009-02-02T11:32:00.002-05:00

The tax problems of Tom Daschle and Timothy Geithner are being treated as curable issues that do not interfere with their credentials to hold positions of trust in the Obama administration. They paid their back taxes, yet I wonder about all of it.

Consider this the tip of the iceberg. These two fine, scrupulous men tried to get away with about a quarter million dollars between them. They probably would not have been caught if they had not been nominated to such high offices. Most likely, there were others who have been vetted along the way who had similar tax difficulties. There are still others who withdrew early from the running because they had issues that they did not want to come to light. We are not talking Bernie Madoffs here, just outstanding public servants who love to serve their country and uncounted others across the spectrum of American life. Tom and Tim may be peerless in their expertise, and therefore the very best persons to fill the positions for which they have been selected.

How many more scrupulous, dedicated, American, public and private servants have failed to pay their required taxes because of "honest" mistakes? (Apparently, their accountants- which most Americans do not have- are either very unscrupulous or very bad.) How much tax revenue has the federal treasury lost because of the "honest" mistakes of "decent" "law-abiding" people like Tom and Tim?

Please note that we are not talking tax loopholes that should be plugged. We are not talking about the potentially thousands of unscrupulous entrepreneurs who are deliberately ripping off the federal government with many devious schemes ranging from creative tax computation to overcharging the government for everything from nuts and bolts to airplanes and toilets.

Tom and Tim represent the responsible citizens whom President Obama has called upon to bear their share of responsibility to get America back on the right track.

How can Tom create a health care program with congress after he is confirmed when practically every vote for his confirmation is cast by a senator to whom he would then be beholden.

I would love to see a tax holiday where those who owe big like these two saintly men could pay the share they owe for say the past ten years (yes, this is beyond the IRS statute of limitations), without further penalty, or a greatly reduced penalty, or even a ten percent reduction of what is owed. I think this would help out our treasury, our deficit, our debt. It would also provide us with a list of people to watch out for so they are not nominated to positions of authority without serious rehabilitation. And then have the IRS under the direction of Tim, who knows the mistakes that people make, go after the unscrupulous characters who have truly screwed our country in many ways.

Inauguration-Yes!

2009-01-20T09:32:00.003-05:00

It is wonderful to see Barack Obama as he ascends to the presidency to serve as our president. It is only a part of the dream. Getting the country really together is the real thing which I hope will happen in the next few years.

As I look at the sea of people attending this inauguration, the security, preparations, etc. reminds me of the inauguration of President Lyndon Johnson in 1965. I happened to be in D.C. at the time, in the seminary at Catholic University. We were able to take a city bus to down town, walk the mall freely. We were able to stand within eye sight and hearing range of the inaugural proceedings, and after that, we walked the two miles to a grandstand seat near the reviewing stand (someone had given a bundle of tickets to the seminary rector). It was thrilling, it was simple, and fun.

But it wasn't that memorable. LBJ was voted in by a landslide. He was an incumbent president, who succeeded the popular JFK upon his assassination. (JFK seemed to achieve popularity after he assumed the presidency winning by a handful of votes that swung Illinois into his column in 1960.) Barry Goldwater with his conservative ideas and agenda did not impress the American electorate, and was badly trounced by LBJ. But Lyndon Johnson did not really capture the minds, hearts, and imaginations of the people. It was not a change time, but a time for when the people wanted stability and security.

We probably got more from Johnson than we ever could have hoped for: civil rights legislation, medicare and medicaid, and the unfortunate deeper involvement in the Vietnam. By the end of his four years, civil rights protests morphed into marches and demonstrations against the war, violent government reactions, and the assassinations of Martin Luther king, Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy.

We greet Barack Obama with tremendous enthusiasm, and a prayer for the great change that we anticipate. Yes!

Happy New Year

2009-01-03T10:54:00.003-05:00

The official New Year began a few days ago, with little fanfare. One resolution I have made is to use all the flour, yeast, and other ingredients that have been laying around here unused for the past year. Out with the old, in with something fresh!

Maybe the world, the country, and all of us ought to think in this mode. Out with the old clothes, in with the new. Out with the old ideas, in with some fresh ideas. Out with the old prejudices, in with some openness to other viewpoints.

It's amazing how freeing it is to let go, start over, refreshed and ready. It is not giving up the roots, or the memories, or practices. These are important to maintain our identity. Rather it is adding something to ourselves, growing to be stronger, more open, to the sky above, and the earth below.

Out with the old, in with the new! Happy New Year!

Christmas

2008-12-22T11:22:00.004-05:00

The mystery of Christmas opens my mind to the many possibilities in life. I think of the humility portrayed in the Christmas story contrasted with the coming of the three kings of power and might. I think of the story of the flight into Egypt when King Herod was so totally outwitted by the humble Joseph. I am reminded of one part of scripture that we had to memorize, the line from the Magnificat, Mary's song, "He has put down the mighty from their throne and has exalted the humble."

I think the kernel of Christmas is exactly that, and the mystery lies in anticipation that it can and will happen again, not another Jesus birth per se, but the raising up of the lowly.

My soul glorifies the Lord, *

my spirit rejoices in God, my Saviour.

He looks on his servant in her lowliness; *

henceforth all ages will call me blessed.

The Almighty works marvels for me. *

Holy his name!

His mercy is from age to age, *

on those who fear him.

He puts forth his arm in strength *

and scatters the proud-hearted.

He casts the mighty from their thrones *

and raises the lowly.

He fills the starving with good things, *

sends the rich away empty.

He protects Israel, his servant, *

remembering his mercy,

the mercy promised to our fathers, *

to Abraham and his sons for ever.

Merry Christmas!

Let it snow!

2008-12-19T13:23:00.004-05:00

We survived the ice storm on December 12th. Power was lost for only one day, Friday, (off at 1 a.m, and back on at 5 p.m.). We were lucky. The people in the back hills were out until Wednesday. The Austerlitz post office, which is close to Route 22 continued without power through Tuesday also, despite its proximity to us. Apparently, there were a number of trees and lines down on East Hill Road beyond the post office, and the switch for power to East Hill Road covers the post office. The same situation applied to the Fire House which sits off Route 22 on West Hill Road.

A key to survival for us was the wood stove in the kitchen. We fired it up at about 8 a.m., kept close to it all day, and cooked coffee,lunch and pop corn on it.

Being prepared for emergencies is an odd phrase. I think the best way to prepare is to have available options which are not too unusual, for instance, the wood stove. We use it at other times of the year just to conserve heat, or for spot heating. I have two kero-sun heaters in the garage, but I never thought of using them, because they are buried too deep in the garage, and I did not have any kerosene. I could give them a more prominent place in the garageand have them ready for emergency use every four or five years, but then the kerosene would probably have evaporated, and I would be out of luck in the emergency. there must be a better way to prepare for the heating part.

Water is another issue. I used to put a couple of milk jugs with tap water in them under the sink. By the time an emergency arose, they would taste like plastic, and were useful only for flushing the toilets, or washing hands. I have found that the water system itself, with the tanks that have a liner will provide several gallons of water before they stop producing water. For drinking, it makes sense to purchase pints of spring water ahead, using it for drinking while working around outside during the spring, summer, and fall, and replenishing it for the winter just in case.

And then there is lighting. Batteries are important to have around, and charged flashlights if available. Batteries power radios for communication with the outside world. Candles help to see each other in the dark. If there is reading to be done, do it in the daylight, and go to bed early after darkness.

We find it good to go out after the emergency is passed, sticking to the main roads. The car is so warm, and the contact with people who have gone through the experience is invaluable. It's fun exchanging "war" stories, and when you realize how little you have been inconvenienced compared to other neighbors, you count your blessings.

Now a new storm has appeared on our doorstep, with predictions of up to 14 inches, before it ends in the early morning hours tomorrow. The snow blower stands ready.

We will continue to get ready for Christmas, which will come after a third storm on Sunday, and perhaps a fourth storm on Christmas Eve. I think that spring will arrive early; after all, winter did.

Family Christmas Party

2008-12-10T10:42:00.008-05:00

Left: Santa delivers coal to Uncle George.
Below: the sing-a-long

About 60 people, including 25 children, came to the 35th annual family Christmas party on Saturday. We were graced with bountiful food, our traditional carrot soup, and great desserts like carrot cake, cheese cake, pan forte, fruit, and gianettes. Santa came to deliver gifts to the children... huge teddy bears for those three and under, which was about 11 of the group... and a special gift of coal for Uncle George. The sing-a-long was merry and robust with full participation... Pat on the piano, and many people with tambourines and other rhythm instruments. We are resting this week, and enjoying the many fine breads (banana, pumpkin, zucchini) that we were given from our family. We save Mary's torte for Christmas morning. Wow!
Theresa and George sent me this note:

Hi, Phil and Phyllis,

We are still reminiscing about Saturday's gathering at your warm, loving home. The family certainly has expanded so beautifully.

Thank you for everything that you did to have so many people roaming about the house. Santa was perfect. The picture which you sent was a little blurred, but, it did bring back fun memories of that moment. I know who the clown is in the family and his name is Pete. haha

Thanksgiving

2008-11-26T12:16:00.005-05:00

As we celebrate the American holiday of thanksgiving, I am mindful of the people who have made my life so complete. They include not only my loving spouse, and children, but the people with whom we have shared this day throughout the years: family members, college friends, friends from our children's colleges, their parents and siblings, fellow workers. There is always one above all, and that would be my parents who taught us how to celebrate these times at their magnificent dining room table, that seemed to extend forever from room to room. There was bounty, welcoming, laughter, and stories from everyday life.

There were five of us children who grew up together. Invitations to another person's table were rare. So we had our feast, and Dad would invite his co-workers from Montgomery Ward to share our good time. It was fun, special and inspiring. Sometimes, it was Mom's relatives, or Dad's siblings.

The common thread was the love, the laughter, and the bounty, all for which we gave, and continue to give thanks.

Thank you and Happy Thanksgiving!

Bail out the consumer

2008-11-13T11:02:00.002-05:00

The Federal government is taking its time producing an impact on the world economy, so I offer some "what ifs" for those in charge.

If it is important to help homeowners stay in their home, why not require banks to sit down with people who are in danger of being foreclosed upon, and renegotiate the loan so that it is affordable to them, by lowering the interest rate and extending the term. If the house is still unaffordable, then reality may require either steps to make it affordable, maybe an additional low interest loan from the feds would be in order; and maybe it will continue to be unaffordable, at which time the bank might become the property owner, and and contract with the owner to become the renter in a rent to buy arrangement.

The other banking crimes that should be addressed are interest rates and penalties on credit cards. There are some who buy things on credit that they cannot and need not afford. Maybe a penalty is in order, but not necessarily an interest rate hike. The whole point of credit cards is to keep people buying, not to drive them into the poor house which is counterproductive.

Credit card interest should be capped at between 12 and 15 percent (my arbitrary numbers, so I don't sound like I am too anti-bank). The interest should be able to be calculated easily over a period of time, and statements from the credit card companies should reflect not just the minimum payment due, but the advantage of paying off completely or in larger installments. Same as cash options should become a rule rather than an exception.

So these are my two "what ifs" for the feds to consider. Neither would cost much to them. People would be happy and the economy would have the cash needed to carry on.

Keep people in their homes by renegotiating mortgages.

Cut interest rates and penalties on credit cards.

The country would be a better place.

What if Osama bin Laden is dead!

2008-11-12T10:31:00.008-05:00

Osama bin Laden is probably the most hated man in America's eyes. He is to be pursued unto death. Yet, no one has heard from him since 2001. There was a report on CNN today that said, if you talk to the intelligence community, about half of those in the know think he is alive, and the other half think he is dead.

What if our policies reflected the opinion of the half that think he is dead. What if we declared him dead, "mission accomplished", and with a wary eye to the alternative possibility, went about a different agenda for America.

Perhaps we could focus on the Taliban, and its influence in Afghanistan, and other Muslim countries. Probably we could stop dropping missiles into the huts on the hillsides of our allies, and prevent loss of more innocent life. Maybe we could build positive relationships with the nearly one-third of the world which calls itself Muslim, and assist those people as they try to move forward into a modern society. Surely our resources would not be so strained and wasted as we pursue an illusive, if alive, foe. And there is a possibility that the world's most wanted would venture out of his cave when the heat is off, and suffer the consequences of his folly.

I don't know the answer, but perhaps declaring victory, and remaining vigilant would free us from the demons of hate which have possessed and consumed us for so long.

The Constitution

2008-11-06T15:54:00.002-05:00

I have posted a link to the United States Constitution on this Blog. As I realized the number of propositions which were on the ballots of states across the country, I was curious about the actual safeguards for all people in the constitution. Somewhere I had read that "the rights of individual citizens shall not be abridged. " And there it was, article 14 which reads: All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.

This is and amazing concept, which has huge ramifications for all of us, and which will always be the subject of debate. This is part of what men and women have fought and died for, and what is missing in those parts of the world where there is no democracy. It applies to all people in the United States and subject to the laws of the U.S. "Equal protection" is what makes America great. Some of the propositions which were voted on will be overturned because of the 14th amendment. The propositions "abridge rights".

It's also rather good to know that the propositions were on the ballots because of the constitution.

Amendment 2: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

What a great country!

Election Look

2008-11-05T09:22:00.003-05:00

As I thought about the elation I feel about the election of Barack Obama, I have no illusions about the road ahead. I realize that a large part of my good feelings come because we probably have already been through one of the roughest periods in American history since the great depression, namely the two terms of George W. Bush. This election has been more about that than any one or any thing else. I do think that the promise and unifying message of Barack Obama has uplifted the dialogue and will set us on a path to recovery. If his candidacy was an uphill climb, the road ahead for America is also steep.

Election Day- Hope returns

2008-11-04T10:20:00.002-05:00

Since Robert Kennedy was campaining for president in 1968, I have not been filled with the hope that I have today as America stands on the verge of electing Barack Obama. He will not handle everything. He is not a miracle worker. But I think he will try to solve problems instead of just managing them. I think he will be a great president.

2008-10-31T13:45:00.003-04:00

It seems like winter has come too soon. There are about 4 inches of snow on top of the leaves that I should have raked last week. I'll wait a little longer for Indian summer.

Halloween used to bring eight or ten ghosts, goblins and other images here in the early evening, but that tradition seems to have gone by the way around here.

Phyllis recalled to Dan and Meg the time when "Dad would stay home and make donuts, while she, Meg, Michael and Joseph (Foiadeli), Audrey and Jill (Weiner), Mike Dunham, Kathy and Alice would go trick or treating around the neighborhood." All returned here for cider and delicious home made donuts.

I remember one Halloween night when a truck with a trailer of cows broke down across the street. The driver and his partner came over to seek help. and were treated with a tour of this old house, cider, donuts, and a ride to the truck stop where they were to spend the night. A short time later, the sheriff called me on the phone to find out where those guts went because " they can't leave that rig there over night." Soon the sheriff, and the truckers were back with a tow truck to get the truck moving again. Weird!

2008-10-28T16:21:00.001-04:00

Well we are getting socked with water most of the day, and it is now snowing. I noticed that Oneonta was closed early today, as I clicked my school closings link on my web site. The stream in the back has had water all year for the first time since we have been here, and now it is totally full. It goes over in two places... 1. Where we figured it would, at that bend, and it goes into the back field; 2. Just after the bridge, and then down stream a bit more where there is a log stuck in the way... which may float out with this amount of water. So there is a stream in that gully after the bonfire area out to the woods. Yikes!

Campaign cycle

2008-10-28T11:38:00.000-04:00

As this election campaign winds down, I realize that there are polar arguments going on. One candidate is telling us how his presidency will change America, and the other is saying that his opponent will do none of it. One is preparing to govern; the other is trying to assure that his opponent cannot govern. One has his eye on the next four years, and the other is laying groundwork for the next campaign in four years.

With election day, the cycle of the next campaign begins, and an attempt is made to make everything that happens relevant to the defeat of the incumbent, rather than the good of the country. What a way to run a country!

One might say that it has been this way for 200 years. I would say that sometimes it has. The bottom line should be, what is for the good of the country, our people, our world. Can we get to the bottom line?

2008-10-24T11:21:00.000-04:00

As I see the news about the lines of people attempting to cast an early vote for the candidate of their choice, I realize the folly of an election day on a Tuesday. I would like to see the polls open for two days, Saturday and Sunday, the first weekend in November from 6 am to 6 pm with hours open ended on both days to accommodate people in line. Continue to have absentee balloting for those who cannot physically make it to their polling place. I would also suggest that ballot propositions be placed on a separate ballot on another day, thus leaving only a few candidates on the election days, the presidential tickets, senators, congress people, and a few state legislators.
We have to get this right.

2008-10-23T11:38:00.000-04:00

We are on the cusp of seasons now with fall like temperatures and the furnace wanting to go on often. Last night, we discussed the book The Limits of Power by Andrew Basevich. It challenged our commonly held beliefs about the option of military power, the spread of democracy, and the American dream. We have some adjusting to do.

2008-10-22T10:30:00.000-04:00

Photo by Phyllis Palladino

Austerlitz Historical Society Cemetery Walk and Calendar

A cemetery walk, during which five spirits who are buried in Austerlitz Cemeteries, attracted about 30 hearty people on Saturday at St. Peter’s Cemetery in Spencertown. The event was sponsored by the Austerlitz Historical Society to raise interest in the 2009 calendar published by the Society and which features photos of tombstones and houses associated with those buried in the local cemeteries.

The ghostly guide legendary raconteur Anna Rundell (portrayed by Connie Mondel) escorted the group to the graves of Hiram Mather(Joe Mondel), an undertaker; May Wolfe Howes (Mitzi Lobdell), former resident of Clatter hall; Clara Blanchard Wadsworth(Sally McCarthy), founder of Wadsworth Park- known as the village green; Jonathan Chamberlain(Phil Palladino), a shoemaker, blacksmith, and farmer; and of course poet Edna St. Vincent Millay (Diane Arduini). Each of the ghostly figures recounted stories about the times and places where they lived back when.

The stories, tombstones, and homes of these five and six others are featured in the 2009 Calendar which is dedicated to Marion Kern the former Town Historian and a charter member of the historical society. Creating and producing the calendar is an effort by the Austerlitz Historical society to stimulate interest in the Town of Austerlitz and engender an appreciation of its heritage. Calendars are available for purchase at the Chatham Bookstore and the Spencertown Store, and at AHS quarterly meeting on November 16th and the Holiday Sing on December 7^th. The price of a calendar is $8 or 2 for $15. You may call (518)392-0062 for additional information about purchasing calendars. Visit www.oldausterlitz.org for coming events.

Phil Palladino

Publicity Coordinator

Austerlitz Historical Society

392-5933

Up and coming

2008-10-22T10:24:00.000-04:00

I have been out of touch on this blog for a while, concentrating my efforts on my web page, www.philpalladino.com . This will be used more and will be accessible from a button on that page, so watch out.

Kevin's funeral- 2/25/06

2006-02-26T10:37:00.000-05:00

Welcome: This service and prayer is a time to remember Kevin Smith, and also a time for us to gather our own strength to carry on life in family and community with only a memory of him. The prayers we say are an expression of common desire, really for ourselves, and in the end, the answer to any prayer lies within each one of us. We pray and begin the answer to our prayers with this celebration today.

Reading: Luke 13:6-9

He told this parable: A man had a fig tree planted in his garden, and he came looking for fruit on it, but found none. He said to the main who looked after the garden, “Look here, for three years I have been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and finding none….Cut it down: Why should it be taking up ground?”
“Sir”, the man replied “Leave it one more year and give me time to dig around it and manure it; it may bear fruit next year; if not, then you can cut it down“.

Reflections from Phil:

This little story from the parables of Jesus is common sense. Gardens and lawns and trees need care and attention to thrive. We neighbors of Kevin have known him as a caring individual who would do anything to help us out. He mowed lawns on Harvey Mountain, along route 22. He cared for the trees and the shrubs. He fixed faucets, painted houses, built ramps and decks. He will be remembered as the gardener in this story. He was a man of his word who could be counted on to do the things needed to be done.

When he was about 17, he left his home in Canada, and joined the United States Navy. He was a man on the move. About a week after he had enlisted, it was discovered that he was not a US citizen. Within two weeks, he became a citizen. The 61st anniversary of that citizenship was three days before he died. He studied electronics engineering through the navy, and eventually received an honorable discharge and a letter of thanks from President Truman.

He fathered seven children in his first marriage. They will attest that they learned a lot from him. Swimming was important for the children to learn, and he made sure that they had that ability. At least two of the children remember going out into deep water on his back, and being slowly released into the water to take the first strokes. He made sure that they returned safely to shore. His son Michael remembers his as a cool individual, unique in many ways, and as a man who was always teaching. Michael learned much from his dad.

There came a time in the marriage when it was not working out. He became a man on the move again, and if we can briefly return to the reading from Luke: the master gave him a second chance. He met Jean, and embraced her and her five children. He had another opportunity at fatherhood, and husbandship.
Eventually, Kevin and Jean settled in Austerlitz… more of the man on the move. Here, he distinguished himself as a person of many talents, but especially in the last two years, he became a caregiver to Jean. Whatever needed to be done to get her through her trials, he was there to do it. It was as close to total dedication as possible. Many of us believe that he emptied himself out for her; he gave all that he had, and this is why we are here today. To celebrate the life of Kevin, the superintendent of grounds in Austerlitz, and the man who took care of the woman he loved. We say farewell to him as he enters into rest with Jean in the beautiful mountains which were his refuge.
We are grief-stricken. We enjoyed him. We offer his family our support and concern today. We look forward to a brighter day tomorrow if we but take the time to absorb the energy that was Kevin’s and let it nourish us.

2006-02-22T11:14:00.000-05:00

Mary reads "Leland" to her grand daughter.

Leland the Leprechaun

2006-02-22T11:11:00.000-05:00

Mary Ayotte has published her first book. It is a story for children entitled “Leland the Leprechaun ,” whose main character, a young Leland, not really ready for the magic he possesses, goes off on St. Patrick’s day looking to test his powers. He happens upon a troubled little girl who suddenly has a delightful magical day. The story is illustrated in brilliant colors by William C. Ahearn. The book is dedicated to her parents, Philip F. and Margaret Ellis Palladino, and her sister-in-law, Phyllis O’Shea Palladino. The self-published book was printed by Brown Printing company in Troy, NY.

Mary, a graduate of Catholic Central High School in Troy, holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in English from the University at Albany. She has authored many unpublished poems and essays. She currently resides in Waterford, NY.

Mary will be signing books on Saturday, March 11th from noon until 1PM at the River Street Beat Shop located at 197 River Street, in the "Antique District" of downtown Troy.

“Leland the Leprechaun” is available at The Bookmark in Newton Plaza and WB O'Connor Church Goods in Latham; The Counties of Ireland, Tipperary Trading at Tara Ltd, The River Street Beat Shop and St. Mary's Hospital Gift Shop in Troy; and The Celtic Treasures and Borders in Saratoga Springs.

PHOTO CAPTION: Mary Ayotte reads the story of “Leland the Leprechaun” to her grand daughter Julia.

Early February

2006-02-06T13:44:00.000-05:00

It is finally getting a little colder this winter. I think the last winter like this was 2001-02. I remember it well because we had a lot of traveling to do that year, from here to the hospital. I did not use a winter coat at all, just a light jacket. I never put my car in the garage because I had so many things to manage at once. That year, I started requesting plastic bags all the time at the store because they were easier to load and unload in the car. I could take 5 or 6 bags at once. It was a mild winter that seemed to have no end. We got through it, and we live to reminisce not only about a mild winter, which only I remember, but one which was hell because of all the other things that were happening in life, which only I remember.

2006-02-03T17:04:00.000-05:00

Reflections:
The two readings today give us comfort and support. The first reading from the apostle Paul was written in response to a situation in Rome where the followers of Christianity were having a problem coping with life. They were upset. Paul wanted to allay their fears and uncertainties. He basically tells the people that the human body is in suffering until it finds a better place which he calls redemption. That process is described in many different ways in other books and religions and is an accepted answer to suffering. It is a process that we witnessed in Jean during the past year and a half. It is difficult to go through especially for close family, her husband Kevin and her daughters and son. We believe that the redemptive process has been completed in Jean, and she will be resting in a place where no further suffering will come upon her.
And we are asked by Jesus to learn from him. Those who are burdened should find rest from the heavy burdens which have been carried, and will be carried in the coming days and months and years. We have learned that it is through mutual support that there is strength, that helping each other makes everything lighter, that problems can be overcome by sharing and letting others share. It requires humility and recognition of the fact that we have work to do together, the work of giving strength and consolation to each other. There is no room for self pity, but rather for kindness, love and caring, all of which require that attitude of sharing reflected in Jesus’ word “my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Let’s talk about Jean. Most of her life, she was not sick. She was married to Kevin for 27 years. She raised five children, four of whom are here today. She realized that she would never leave her children a fortune, so she told them of the two great gifts she could give, roots- a firm ground to stand on; and wings- so they could soar to the heights where they wanted to be. Her children remember this, and they remember to “count your blessings no matter what. Jean will be remembered as a devoted mother who was always there. She was on hand at the births of all of her eleven grandchildren. She took charge of the situation that was hers, in healthy times and in times of illness. Behind those beautiful blue eyes was a strong women who knew what was important and best for the family. She took charge, and tended to family business. She loved the family. She protected them. She was always there for them. She will be missed. And among her favorite quotes which I found yesterday written in perfect palmer method which we all do well to heed today: We can only appreciate the miracles of a sunrise when we have waited in darkness.

Today's news

2006-02-02T23:14:00.000-05:00

Nothing much, unless you consider death as a big event. Kevin's wife died the other day. She will be missed by the family and friends. We wish Kevin well, and the son and daughters of Jean.