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@Elizabeth Whitehouse: While I wouldn’t necessarily think “this kind of comment” should get you expelled from a site, I do wonder what purpose you intended for it to accomplish. Long before Social Media facilitated “instant reaction” to written material, we all managed to be exposed to ideas that may or maynot fit our own beliefs....through radio, TV, magazines, newspapers and books et al. And, since the invention of Guttenburg’s printing press, there has never been (and still is not) any imperitive to challenge the author(s) directly. We are fortunate in some nations (like the US) to have the choice of what media we want to consume (or choose not to). It seems like a tragic waste of ones time to seek out content we disagree with for the sole purpose of offering an antagonistic response. I’m curious how you felt that your reply was beneficial to anyone. It’s doubtful you will gain any understanding of Linda’s perspective by replying as you did. Nor is it likely that your curt and disparaging remark will sway Linda or any of her readers to your perspective.

At this point, what do we, as a county, have to lose? Simply look at what has happened to our beloved county in the last 50 years, businesses are leaving, people are leaving, Chemung County is turning into one big "ghost town"... Charlie Lechliter

The state rules should change. The school districts, by state law, must create a budget and submit it to a vote the first week of May. If NY State cannot pass a budget so districts don't know how much state funding they will receive by then, the voting should not be held. It is crazy voting on a budget before you know how much state aid you will receive.

My Grandmother started me on my letter writing journey when she showed me a letter from her brother who still lived in Ireland. I was 10 years old and asked her if I could write to him too and she included my letter with her’s. I remember my surprise and joy at receiving his letter addressed to me and that was the beginning of 20 plus years of correspondence between Uncle Pete and I. Letters are sharing parts of yourself with others, your thoughts, dreams, hope, they are love, advice when needed. Letters are wonderful and I’ve missed writing them. I think it’s time to begin writing again. Thank you for this reminder.

Its entertaining and that's what a movie should be.

Cognitive dissonance.

Going to a blog/ column post specifically written for and aimed at those who do believe in a Higher Power of some kind and making such comments is not only tacky and ignorant, but if I know nothing more about a person that’s enough for me to know that, well, I don’t want to. It amazes me, when someone pops their head in here once or twice, and of ALL the content they can add thoughtful perspective to, choose this as the moment to “contribute.” But I’m not gonna kick you off this site. I wouldn’t give you the satisfaction of being able to add another feather to that “hat” you seem proud to wear. I’m going to leave it, let it speak for itself, and let others form their own opinion of the person who made the commentary.

Enjoy your articles and look forward to more of them. Glad there is a forum where you can be published and people can read about your interesting family and life stories.

A thought occurred to me the other day as I drove past an "Adopt a Highway" sign that proudly proclaimed the local organization "sponsoring" a stretch of road strewn with litter. While it is not their "duty" to clean up....these businesses and organizations supposedly made a pledge to do so, and asked teh DOT to advertise for them. I'd love to see photos of the trash and those signs publicized....on their FB pages, in the local media....anyplace that might embarrass them into holding up their pledge.

Agreed! and that's why I'll do a pick-up-trash day when I'm able to take walks up my road for a bit, limited with worsening sciatica. The littering is just unreal - not only along the edge of the golf course, but also along and into the farmers' crop fields here and elsewhere. Folks don't know about cows getting what's called "hardware" - when they ingest metal or maybe plastic, it gets caught in their throat or one of four stomachs, can't be processed, aggravates and causes them to "go off feed". They can't eat or drink, lose weight, and end up being shipped to market. We lost several good cows because of that very problem when my husband farmed with his Dad... even tho we picked up trash along the roadside then too, some gets missed and gets into the silage. Roadside trash is a dirty blight on the eye, but a nasty problem for farm animals.

The good news is.....you might get to experience such carefree meals again later in life. The grandkids can take you dining in your geriatric years and these will mostly apply. The bad news is...you probably still won't remember how fun it was.

Over the years, Cuomo often touted that The Great New York State Fair held a "special" place in his heart. He celebrated the long "tradition". He bragged about the "food". He praised the "entertainment". And he emphasized that it was an "investment" that would grow revenue. What got under my skin was that he rarely (IF EVER) spoke of the fact that the whole concept of Fairs was built on the goal of fostering and promoting agriculture. Let's hope the new governor is less tone deaf.

Considering the shortages and supply issues we’ve seen in the past year, we should be doing everything in our power to make it easier on family farms, not harder. Because when that shipment from California or Mexico doesn’t arrive, what you gonna eat?

I might add that we could perhaps be more discerning when using the word "tragedy". That word suggests an event that was inescapable or inevitable....as an unforeseen accident or natural disaster. On the other hand, when an event is the result of someone’s conscious and deliberate actions...then “atrocity” may be a more accurate description.

I loved reading this. There's so much of this great state outside the crowded urban areas that we don't read about enough!

It's an interesting question posed here. I agree that teaching about work ethic is critical, regardless of the type of job. In my role as an educator, I have started adding a conversation with new employees on attendance, teamwork, and personal responsibility to what is covered in orientation. Setting expectations is important, but I think for a lot of people this is a little late to start having that conversation. But it also illustrates that the resources often taken for granted by some (reliable transportation, childcare etc.) are luxuries many people don't have. Individualized training opportunities, or at least introductions to professions that play to interests or strengths is a wonderful concept- but i think needs infrastructure to be built for that. I have learned a lot about S-VE's high school curriculum- they have an agricultural science department! What a wonderful opportunity for the students! And the BOCES programs are another example of structured opportunities for learning that play to individual interests.

I am very proud of all you have accomplished throughout your long life. I did learn a few things in this article which makes me wonder just how much I still don't know after all these years 😄 Your story is a successful one for sure!

As people continue to leave NY, this is becoming more of a problem. I would like to say we need the other party in charge to set real spending limits, but that isn't true any more. Democrat or Republican seem to think we are cash cows. The more we have to pay, the more people get fed up and leave. Not sure the solution, but the problem is real!

I watch it every year, and every year I question why the hell I watched it. I guess it’s just tradition at this point.

I simply do not understand why people will complain about economy, lack of good paying jobs yet keep voting for the same party.

I love Taste of Jamaica the owners are so friendly I have even had their vegan meal and it had me questioning if it was actually plant and not meat. MarShells is delicious a bit pricey but worth every penny. I do like the way they switch the menu up. The next time they have soul bowls or rasta pasta I will get some and do an official review. I will do the same for TOJ when I am able to track them down. Food trucks are awesome!! I know again very disappointed 😞 However I do occasionally get some of his cooking through a friend of my wife. The same friend has also arranged for me to try some awesome African food

I was very disappointed. Their food was delicious

Oh I know! He should come to Sayre and try some Willie's BBQ! https://williesbbqsayre.square.site/ One of these days I'm going to sneak over and try the catfish!

I just took a recliner to the dump a couple weeks ago , it was $20.00 to dispose of it . C’mon a lousy 20 dollar bill isn’t going to break anyone to do the right thing …

Aside from the partisan assignations, the Senator is right about the Executive's misguided attempts to control education spending. Moving real costs to the local tax burden is not the correct solution. Our rural schools, in particular, went many years without receiving the aid they deserved. Yes, we need reform of state aid to education but this is not it. We also need reform of the laws and regulations that increase the cost for public education without improving the results. Jim Loomis Van Etten, NY

I couldn't agree more! I'm in that Winter Season too... funny, don't know how it happened so quickly!!

It was Linda . Parts of it took me back to to the few good times with my dad . As with your dad mine taught me more than i could list here and I thank him everyday for it !

Thank you Linda !

No kidding, I kinda miss him.

Yes Ann!! I LOVE that image - so perfectly fitting 🙂

Your words reminded me of this.

Gotta admit, my favorite of the above is Little Drummer Boy, but by King & Country:

If someone has never been to D.C. to see the memorials, they should. We were there a few years ago when an Honor Flight group came through. To see the very men those memorials were built for see them, was an experience to witness. I wanted so badly to talk to some of them, but also didn’t want to interrupt their moment. It was a privilege to be there, in their presence and I’ve never forgotten it.

Despite a bumper crop of apples this year, we sadly have no apples in storage. I had a bushel downstairs but the extended warm weather kept the basement from chilling down to a good temp for the apples. They all ended up on the compost pile. Good news is, we have several gallons of cider pressed and stored in the freezer so the crop wasn't a total loss. It was also a great year for the Yukon Gold potatoes, which are happy down there.

I loved Rosenbaum's more than Izards. I used to go over on my lunch hour and poke around when I worked at Newberrys next door. My friends mom was the head buyer so we go sneak peeks of new arrivals.

Thank you so much Ann! I love your kitchen table image too! Supper time with our kids was time we could share our day with each other; it helps glue you together - love those memories 🙂

So beautiful Linda. For our family it was Mom’s kitchen table. Thank you for sharing this and, again, so very sorry for your loss.

Thank you, Hal. You said it very well in understanding, as we all struggle in so many different ways. I truly believe God gives me words to write, and I always pray they will be used to touch someone's heart. So I will give God the praise for using those words for each of you who needed to read them. Love to all my friends here on TTL!

these are very comforting words Linda! i am very sorry for your loss!

Linda, this is a really beautiful and introspective poem! well done 🙂

The alarm is sounding loudly but no one is listening. I wonder how long it will take before it all implodes.

Beautiful Linda. I did finally find the courage to watch Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ” and as terrifying and moving as the movie was I was left with the feeling it did not come close to the suffering He endured for us. I think only a very few humans in our history have understood, felt and shown that kind of pure love for others. I do not get emotional over movies but watching this movie broke my heart and I wept like a baby.

It may seem like an extraordinarily long winter to you but I was reminded of the winters of my childhood. Snow started sometimes late October, definitely in November and lasted through end of March.

You are most welcome Linda , but it was your words that prompted the memories of my youth !

That's awesome, Banjoman! I checked it out, and it looks like a valuable asset to local researchers, like you! Since I'm not a "native" of this area, my research encompassed the greater Albany, Schenectady, Schoharie, Mohawk region plus the old New Amsterdam/New Netherlands. I greatly appreciate your mentioning Joyce Tice's site for local genealogical data which will definitely help others who read this page and are interested in researching their local family roots. Thanks so much for your input!!

Linda - I found that Joyce Tice's site on the internet was a treasure trove of information back when I was actively doing research. It covers just a three county area in the twin tiers - but I was mainly looking at lines in Chemung County at the time and I found it to be very helpful.

i went on ancestry.com years ago and was able to find a treasure trove of information. very fun and exciting process and yes others had done a lot of the work all i had to do was follow the green leaf 🙂

I have been there twice. Both times it was very good. Hard and Soft Tacos, refried bean and rice was all on the money. Going back for the hot bar this week. Very impressed so far.

This is hilarious! And all 100% true……🤣 Luckily I’m OK with suspending disbelief for animated stories…especially Holiday Classics. All disbelief. From the fantastical premise that reindeers fly, talk and have organized sports with coaching staff…. to even winged lions and overnight obesity.