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2-21-2007 We have known Pat since we moved here in 1982 when she was the administrator of the Clara Welch Thanksgiving Home. In fact we well remember various meetings held in her apartment at the home. We worked with her in the League of Women Voters, the MIBH Auxiliary and, of course, the Women's Club of Cooperstown. We always enjoyed her view of the world, her take on the local scene and her delicious coconut cakes. Pat graduated from high school in 1930 with the he-we's mother, Enid Brady Ellsworth. And so we have, tucked away in a coffee table drawer, the Class of 1930's commencement program as well as a number of class reunion pictures including those which Pat attended, namely the 40th and 50th class reunions. From the commencement program we learned that Pat was a member of the Girls Glee Club which performed "Greeting to Spring" by Johann Strauss at the graduation ceremony. We cannot help but admire Pat for her long, well lived life. To her family and friends we extend our sympathy. Recently we were somewhat bemused when we received our most recent Time Warner Cable statement. On the envelope it said "You don't have Road Runner high-speed online? Order today!" Inside was our monthly bill for our Road Runner high-speed online service. It leads us to believe, as is so often the case anymore, that the right hand does not know what the left hand is doing. No longer is there any sense that the companies one deals with have any clue as to who their customers are, let alone what services or goods they might purchase. All in all we find it to be discouraging. However, we must admit that it makes our interactions with local businesses, who seem to know and care about who we are, all that much more enjoyable. More and more we find it to be an incentive to do business locally whenever it is possible. Of course, we were also puzzled by a telephone bill which came in an envelope which said "Before you move, call us ..." Did the telephone company know something we didn't? Or do we just live in such a mobile society that the company feels it is beneficial to remind people what to do when they move. Then again, one might be tempted to think that if people are that mobile, they would have the moving routine down and not have to be reminded of what to do. All we know is that the Ellsworths have lived in the same house, on the same street, in the same village since 1912. If we haven't moved yet, why would we move now? We're just getting used to the neighborhood. Of course, we are not certain the neighborhood is getting used to us. We were somewhat dismayed recently when we read on our current tube of toothpaste "Keep out of reach of children under 6 years of age. If more than used for brushing is accidentally swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away." It sounded to us as if our toothpaste was potentially deadly. It did not inspire confidence. Yet, upon checking the store shelves, we found such a warning on more than one brand of toothpaste. After a bit of research we have determined that the offending ingredient in the toothpaste is sorbitol, which, according to Wikipedia, can cause abdominal pain, gas, and mild to severe diarrhea when ingested in large amounts. We also discovered it is used in cough syrups and "sugarfree" mints as well as diet foods, such as drinks and ice cream, and diet chewing gum. Additionally, it can be used as a non-stimulant laxative. We also learned it can be found in cosmetics, cigarettes, surimi, a highly refined, uncooked fish paste, and, when combined with potassium nitrate, amateur solid rocket fuel. Quite frankly, we wish it were not in our toothpaste and will, therefore, in the future read the toothpaste labels before, not after, we make our purchase. We, unlike the real Cabin Fever Film Series, have but one movie left to see. While those attending the film series last week were viewing "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" we were home watching "10 Things I Hate About You." Thus, we only have "Curious George" to go. And we must admit that we have enjoyed our own version of the film series in spite of the fact that some of the movies will never make it to our "favorites" list. Nonetheless, we do feel we have greatly broadened our movie viewing. In fact, we might be inclined to compare it to the Literary Discussion group which has certainly broadened our reading selections. Unfortunately, this year at least, we have been far more successful in viewing the movies, than we have been in reading the books. But, although we might find it tempting, we are not yet ready to switch from the Literary Discussion Group to a Movie Appreciation Group. In closing, we note that the Fenimore Quilt Club's 2008 quilt show will come to a close at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 24. It is, as usual, well worth taking in. Having seen the show, we can say without doubt that there are some most interesting quilts on display. The show will be open this Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. and on Sunday from 1 until 4 p.m. It is located in the Cooperstown Art Association Galleries at the Village Library Building, 22 Main St., Cooperstown. Don't miss this opportunity to see this year's selection of quilts, wall hangings and other quilted items. We remain, In these Otsego hills, The Ellsworths The Ellsworths may be reached by mail at 105 Pioneer St., Cooperstown, N.Y. 13326, by telephone at 547- 8124 or by e-mail at cellsworth1@stny.rr.com. They look forward to hearing from you. |
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