Did putting away the snowplow bring on sleet and flurries?
PRINCETOWN — It’s the 17th day of March, St. Patrick’s Day, three days from spring, otherwise referred to as the Vernal Equinox, to be scientific about it, when the sun is on a perpendicular line with Earth’s equator, hence we have equal length days and nights, and here we are congregated at the Chuck Wagon Diner in Princetown, next door to Ketchum’s Auto Repair where the scribe’s truck’s airbag system was recently and magically repaired within budget and quickly.
Of importance to some, is that Turnpike Power, which is pretty close to the Chuck Wagon on Western Avenue, is still open for business, dispensing lawn mowers and snow blowers, contrary to some inaccurate rumors.
Ron, dressed for this auspicious Irish occasion in green hat, shirt, and tie, meets us right inside the door of the Chuck Wagon to confirm our coffee requirements, very reassuring to those of us who really crave that first cup.
On the subject of the changing of the seasons, one of our members was so optimistic as to have put away his snowplow on Monday when it was 60 degrees. Of course, he is blamed for bringing the snow and sleet and flurries and cold that greeted us this morning.
It was also reported by one OMOTM that he had cocktails outside yesterday on his deck with a friend, an anomaly now as we view the blowing snow out the back window of the Chuck Wagon. Comments were heard about high winds overnight with branches down and roads closed, yikes.
AI did not invent these stories
As we OMOTM are struggling with the computerization that surrounds and engulfs us, some recalled the early days of computers when they were extremely expensive, and very low functioning by today’s standards. As an aside, it must be obvious that the scribe doesn’t use AI to compose this column.
All the material in this column comes from our conversations about current concerns and our recollections from bygone days.
Without mentioning any names, recollections of a famous former loveable and yet cantankerous denizen of the Hill were made with a few great stories. One story involved a car that was parked blocking an accessway without permission or the proper amenities observed. Said parker returned to the vehicle to find it surrounded by a quickly constructed fence.
Caving got some bad reviews this morning, with recollections of cave rescues, a near drowning, fear of small spaces, and the utter and total darkness experienced underground. Like skydiving, caving must be reserved for the most hardy, brave, curious, and adventurous among us.
Memory techniques
As much as we all recognize and greet and converse with each other on these Tuesday mornings, we are pretty light on using and knowing names of all of our companions. This gave rise to a discussion of memory techniques, especially for names.
Some are said to have mastered this, and even demonstrated amazing competency to this end, but alas not some of those among us this morning.
Solace from Sol
Some conversations were heard regarding solar energy, which is really starting to kick in now that the snow is off our panels and the days are longer and the sun seems more likely to show itself.
Also, note was made that the cost of electricity is not retreating any time soon. So, barring a reduction in National Grid rates, maybe the sun will favor us with some needed support. Optimism is something that does characterize this bunch.
Pears and kiwi?
Discussions about hearing always put in a strong showing as demonstrated by how we try to speak loudly and clearly, yet still suffer from some mishearings. It can be entertaining to repeat what you thought you heard and compare that to what was actually said, if you can ever get it down to that level of accuracy.
One of our old members was heard to have had bear and tea leaf as a snack before heading off to breakfast. We finally refined that down to pears and kiwi. Sometimes it’s hard to know if it’s the fault of the brain or the ears.
Still here
Hurricane Irene still evokes many recollections after 15 years, and it was recalled that the Berne Agway or Old Berne Mill, suffered extensively from that particular event, never quite recovering completely.
For example, we think that the old cash register and coke machine disappeared forever into the Fox Creek. Heroically, the business reopened, is still open, and we report it is a good source of auto parts.
In the dead of winter, when the sun barely puts in an appearance, showing up for early Tuesday breakfast is a feat to be seriously admired, but now in this kinder and more hopeful season, it’s lighter and warmer in general and more conducive to all this fraternizing, and here we are plugging along, albeit a tad more cheerfully than in those darker days; these are the guys greeting this fine morning and puzzling about how old age came on so fast: Harold Guest, Wally Guest, Roland Tozer, Jamey Darrah, Rich Albertin, Marty Herzog, Chuck Batcher, Warren Willsey, Pastor Jay Francis, Al Schager, Roger Shafer, Robert Schanz, Mark Traver, Joe Rack, Herb Bahrmann, Gerry Cross, Jack Norray, Dick Dexter, Bob Donnelly, Allan DeFazio, Dave Hodgetts, John Dab, Paul Guiton, John Jazz, Dick Dexter, George Washburn, Will Lichliter, Frank A. Fuss, and me.