Never say never….
I thought I had written my last Patriot/Posey article for the newspaper but, alas! I’m back!
I want to thank my friend Carolyn Hankins, former Versailles postmaster, who called me the same day the last article came out in print. I was pretty much still in shock at the time and her consoling message was quite welcome.
Fortunately, I have been able to make amends with the individual who had felt offended and after we finally were able to communicate — most — if not all the conduct perceived as offensive was clarified and the issue between us in now settled. I still regret that my actions and intentions were misconstrued but I do believe that I needed to be reminded that words can hurt.
Carolyn’s call was followed by calls from Eddie Trinkle, John Kniola and of course, dear Patty Chase. Despite her own health issues, Patty never fails to call me at least once a week to check up on me. Her friendship truly blesses me. Likewise, Mary Christiani always offers encouragement and she and Tony are truly “church family”.
But it was Sharon McClure from Canaan that convinced me to start back with the column. Although we have never met, she sent the most beautiful card with the kindest letter that I believe I have ever received. She did it. Thank you, Sharon! We must meet someday soon because I feel I owe you at least a hug!
I have taken my time off from the paper and tried to recuperate from the shoulder surgery that I had in December. The effects are most assuredly permanent and for someone who has never let health issues stop me from doing what I want to, suddenly I must rely on others. For me, it’s exasperating.
But, there’s been a bright side to my recovery! My Critters! I was blessed to find all eight kittens homes. They are pretty much scattered about in Central and Southeastern Indiana but they all have wonderful homes. I was so tempted to keep one of the tuxedo kitties — I even had him named — but common sense kicked in and I relinquished him to a police dispatcher in Indianapolis who is spoiling him rotten. It was fun though while it lasted! Those eight little kittens were a sheer joy to watch! First, I had them in my master bathroom and their favorite place to hide was inside the holder for the toilet bowl brush! They were able to squish three in at a time. It didn’t take them long though to master the baby gate and escape. So, I moved them to the foyer and stacked two baby gates up. Apparently, they were fathered by a monkey because it took them no time to climb up and out. Ultimately, I gave up and let them have the run of the foyer, living room and dining room. They were hysterical to watch! They were all on solid food by five weeks and using the litter pan by 6. (I was so proud!)
If I were to be completely honest, I would probably have to admit that my issues with my shoulders stems from my over-zealous approach to yard work. Especially mowing and trimming. My step-son Donald Phillips spend over 20 hours last weekend working on my yard and although it’s so much improved, I’m afraid he needs to come back again — probably twice! My ‘surprise lilies’ began to bloom while he was here, and he is single-handedly taking credit for their beauty. He claims that if he had not diligently removed all the weeds along the fence line, the poor flowers would have never received the necessary sunlight to sprout. Whatever! I do have 7-8 clusters of the flowers dispersed throughout the front, back and side yards. Probably close to 100 different flowers!
We had a super time catching up after nearly 40 years apart. Of course, he is a grown man now, but it didn’t take us long to re-establish our relationship. Sunday, we attended the Patriot Baptist Church and went sight-seeing. He’s a big NASCAR fan so we of course had to drive to Sparta.
Here’s a new twist to an old recipe. I recently substituted Hawaiian rolls for bread crumbs in my Mom’s scalloped corn recipe and I truly felt the change made a significant difference.
MOM’S
SCALLOPED CORN
1 can – Creamed Corn
1 cup – Shredded Hawaiian Rolls
1 – Egg
1 T – Sugar
½ to ¾ Cup – Milk
3 T – Melted Butter
½ -Chopped Onion
Salt and Pepper to taste
Combine in that order, pour into shallow buttered baking dish.
Bake for 30 minutes at 375 degrees.
You may contact me several ways: by leaving a note of message inside the cat mailbox in front of 1995 Front Street in Patriot; or by calling my home at (812) 594-2281; or dropping me a note at P.O. Box #01, Patriot, Indiana, 47038. In addition, contact KAY E COOK on Facebook or online at PatriotNews1995@gmail.com. If you have anything for me to include in this article, please send it to me. Information can be received any day of the week but normally my deadline is Sunday at noon for that week’s issue of the paper. Any news received later will appear in the following week’s article. If you need something in a particular issue please be sure and give it to me early.