I used a method many old-timers used for potatoes. My paternal grandmother Daisy planted some once by raking the ground, placing peelings and covering with straw, grass clippings and last year's leaves. The theory is as the spuds grow just add more cover and when ready simply pull back the covering and pick up the taters. Sounds easy and I'm all for that.
We have had a visitor for a few mornings. A small dog has been seen but he or she draws the line at about six feet. This little trespasser has a collar but will not allow me close enough to check for a license, I would like to say that this dog is an illegal alien but then I would get in all kinds of trouble for saying it.
I mentioned before about my encounter with the new memorial bridge and received my old truck back after some repairs and paint work. Because my sister had some major work done on her car the same week I was not surprised to learn Rudy and his grandson Cody will be closed this week for a vacation. He did thank us for our support. I also heard talk of a cruise in 2016 to celebrate their 50th anniversary. What? Fifty years - I'll try to remember to pick up a sympathy card for Diane.
Some real sympathy is extended to the family of long-time old friend Steve Stratton who passed away at Arnot-Ogden Medical Center after suffering yet another stroke. Steve was employed by Canton Boro for many years way back when. He also was an auto racing guy who competed at the old Chemung Speedrome at the time the Bodine Brothers were involved. He and I spent many serious times and a lot of happy times when we were both active in the fire and ambulance service. We also were a lot younger.
My old lawn mower belt has been showing signs of wear so Saturday morning we went over to Lindsey Lawn Equipment and I purchased a new belt. These John Deere belts should be replaced with genuine John Deere brand, otherwise my experience has been the El Cheapo brand won't last very long. Maybe some folks can get away with off-brand parts but not my mower. (I think it knows.)
While in Mansfield we had a little time to look over the yard sales, most of which were located at the New Covenant Academy but I haven't figured out how all the tools, hats and kitchen gadgets (all new) are yard sale items. By my definition yard sales, garage sales, rummage sales are items for sale that are used, no longer needed or with me, "let's get rid of this junk." When Canton has the annual yard sales in June I may participate. I have a grandson with a front yard in Canton township so that should silence those who would say "you live in Alba - you can't have a yard sale in Canton."
We made it back in time to attend the wedding celebration of Matthew Morris and his new bride Christina. Although they were married in Riviera Maya, Mexico in January, the reception was at the Manley-Bohlayer Farm with a whole bunch of aunts, uncles and cousins from the Morris, McNett, Matson and Citrola families on hand. My Aunt Linda Thomas drove up from Ridley Park, PA. She left Charley at home to manage a yard sale. She might not have any furniture left when she returns. Oh, I'm not supposed to tell anyone she was in town because there was not time enough to visit everyone. I promised I would not tell. The food was great, the weather was great and the visiting and catching up was even better.
I may have mentioned in the past how irritated I get when I visit one of the superstores in our area. Sunday we stopped in at the one in Sayre, PA because a couple things I buy are a bit cheaper but I'm about to give up on cheap and go back to when people who owned a business actually cared if you shopped in their stores or not. This store (recently renovated to serve you better) now wants you to check yourselves out and bag it. How many were not hired due to this bright idea.
Our main reason for stopping was to print some pictures so of course no one was on hand to help people like me, but a big sign on the counter instructed us to see someone in electronics. In this case the word translates to: "you, the customer, take the time to hunt around the place for someone to help." The final icing came when the checkout girl asked if you would like to donate to some charity. Well, no, but if you or the store have a couple bucks I would appreciate it. That will get you a look.