To the Editor:

The past four months have been rough. Both national and local news has been dreadful. The pandemic has dominated 24/7.

Other than doctor appointments in Albany, we have been festooned on the Homestead. Once a week or so, we shop for provisions in the village where “Smitty’s” used to be. As we left Altamont this week, we went past our favorite farmstand but the sign was down. Hopefully, not an ominous sign.

We stopped by another place on Johnson Road at the intersection with Krumkill Road. They also have home-grown fruits and vegetables with wholesale items as well and firewood. The proprietors were proud of their new sales shed.

We bought blueberries and their home-grown strawberries — the small- to medium-size ones with so much flavor rather than the large commercially produced ones imported from California and elsewhere. The berries we bought were terrific!

With all the dominating bad news from, which we can’t seem to get away from, there is so little good news. We have been so distracted from the norms of life, we almost had forgotten one of the best joys of summer: fresh strawberry shortcake!

In passing, the farm-stand owner mentioned officials from the town of New Scotland, often referred to as Ding Dongs (writer’s note: “Ding Dongs” [plural] is a colloquial expression for inept officials both elected and appointed), were, “after them” regarding the shed and “want to put us out of business.” Of course, I signed their petition of protest.

I respect and admire farmers most of all. This morning, my wife and I shall return for more berries and to add another signature. We’ll bake biscuits this afternoon and celebrate!

My advice for all is to stop by and sign their petition before they run out of strawberries or are run out of business.

Ed Cowley

Altamont

Editor’s note: See related story.