16-Aug-2012

Tues. Aug 16th
Finally, the deluge of rain has ended. On Sunday parts of the NY metro area received in excess of 10 inches of rain. WOW, LI farmers are not happy these days as this much rain in such a short period of time is only conducive to rice farmers! Many major highways and secondary roads were flooded, OK I'm not a news reporter but a blogger.
I needed to catch up on my rest as the three days in DC were emotionally draining. On Saturday evening, I went to Mass and then to the Sweet Hollow Diner for a bite to eat. I was pleasantly surprised to see Theresa Schmitt (Rottkamp) enter the diner, and we shared dinner together. Theresa's  late husband, Ferdie is/was first cousin to my father. My grandfather Anthony Sr., and Ferdie's father, Ferdinand, were brothers. They were the last two sons on the old Schmitt homestead in Rosedale. Theresa's sons, Ferdie III and Billy remain in the agriculture business. They raise floral stock in the spring, recently entered the sod business, and have a huge October (Halloween) agri-entertainment business with haunted houses, and corn mazes. The days of wholesale vegetable farming on LI is dwindling each year.
I enjoyed my conversation with Theresa (84), as she remembers so much of all the old farmers and traditions. The Rottkamps are one of the largest farm families on LI. I need to start documenting his information before it falls to the wayside. The Schmitt's aren't that far behind
Recently, I have started combing the fairways and woods of Bethpage State Park golf courses in the hunt of golf balls. In the past couple of weeks, I have found close to 20 dozen balls, most in top notch condition. Watch for my sales on eBay and craigslist.
 My good friend Rich Stein is in town visiting his parents; Lenny & Lois. I stopped by their home yesterday in South Huntington and had a great visit. Their pool was open so Rich and I took a swim. Mrs. Stein is so nice and very inquisitive, Lenny although he has lost a few steps is still a funny and smart man to be around.
Today, was a busy day, dentist, mowing the lawn, other job search related items, and the F'dale library was having a blood drive. Gave my pint, if you can please donate, as it is always NEEDED. 
Peace and be well!!

It is in giving that we receive.
- St. Francis of Assisi -

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