Bopcha Blog

Unbelievable! I lost my entry. Sid, I directly blame you. All that I did was attempt to preview it. However I will try to recreate it.



Another week gone by. The spectacular autumn landscape has began to set in on the Pocono Mts. Still without a hint of fall temperatures.



Sid it was a delight having you last weekend. Sandra, you were surely missed. We have such few visitors. Poor Colleen had to put up with our antics by herself. Please try to come next chance. Sid should have informed you that I have a 1001 italian cures for ailments of all kinds. I would love to try them out on another human being. The only other willing participant is my son Joe Jr., but he doesn't count since he contains the same gene pool as myself.



Diana, in your defense Dionysus is defined as the god of wine, drama, fertility, revelry and orgiastic religion. The latter i wish not to comment. But,not the god of beer, perhaps in Swahili. Interestingly, Sidney is derived from Saint Denis, which derives from DionySIUS, which means "devinely touched", you may interpret that as you wish, I have.



The birds are driving me crazy. The doves are now laying eggs about every week and a half. Right before the oviparious animals discharge they begin COOOOOOOOOOOing endlessly. The button quail are still my favorite, KC if they reproduce I will certainly earmark one for you.



Bopcha, I am still working on obtaining writable sheet music online. I've spent a considerable amount of time and still no luck. The lyrics to Johnnycake Man still sits on my coffee table, I hope to get the notes before the end of this year.



I final note, as a previous student of junior magicians school, I have found there are 2 methods to balance an egg; one, place a little mound of salt under the table cloth prior to the attempt; and two, hardboil it. I don't recall the moon nor Vernal equinox, being in play.



Joe

Hello All,



Just finished work on Labor Day. I see I've missed quite alot since August. Sid, since you are going to OR. in Dec. we will need to rearrange Sausage making, maybe Black Friday or else risk the dead of winter. I'll be down in Philly later tonight and if we can make it tomorrow to meet you, I'll call your office.



Bopcha the button quail are so funny to have, They crow at sunrise everyday but are only a little bigger than a chicken egg. I keep telling Colleen she needs a farm so they don't have to live on the bottom of an aquarium, that is her dream she told me. We have 5 right now a few more and we'll have appetizers.



Well not much else to say today. We will be leaving the mountains in about an hour to go to my brothers labor day picnic I hope my ex dog Daisy will be there.



Best to all



Joe

I guess I started work at about age 12, maybe 10. Sunday paper routes, washing dishes, office cleaning, fruit stand, delivery man, repair man, cook, salesman, construction, you name it. My parents worked all the time. In their marriage they owned 2 restaurants, a catering business and always held a full time job. It was inevitable for them to go into business together, since as children, they shared the same outhouse. My Dad loves telling the story of their Honeymoon night, when he tried to blow out the lightbulb in their Florida Sweet 'force of habit'. And like them, with all my jobs, I never stopped dreaming of owning my own business......... Now I do........



I've just spent 3 weeks, 7 days a week, 12 to 14 hour days, hunched in a number of well houses, damp wet and loaded with bugs, retrofitting pipe. The Department of Environmental Protection required our newest company to be modified for compliance and gave us a deadline. At the end of my torcherous experience we passed and exceeded standards. Yahoo! Meanwhile, we had 3 water line breaks, monthly sampling, routine duties, service calls, monthly meter reading and billing, equipment to repair, lawns to mow, truck repairs and meetings to be had. Sometimes I wish I never gave up that paper route. But in retrospect, and for healthy thinking, I always remind myself, and with the help of NPR, of how very fortunate I am not to be suffering like so so many are, at this very moment.



I see it was a pretty busy month in the blog. Sandra, you reminded me I missed my niece's birthday again June 27th, ( she reminds me every year ). Sid, we've conversed in Email and I still think summer sausage would be a great way to hold us over until winter, if not I definitely would like a copy of the psychology paper on trading. Bopcha, I briefly tried to find usuable sheet music online for the ' Johnnycake Man ', since I would like a copy of it to play on my guitar. I'll keep working on it. You know, my late Aunt Catherine was nurse for a woman in Devon PA. who obtained wealth thru show horses, unitl she passed away, ( moved on Diana ). She left most of her fortune to her cats as well. I can't remeber the woman's name. I'll find out. Speaking of cats my ex-dog Daisy is happy as can be and living with Rex, neither are fixed, so if anyone reading this wish for a pure bread toy jack russell terrier it a may be just a matter of time. We've had new animal additions to the house this month, Colleen my girlfriend now has Freido, Sonny, Tom and Vito, button quale's. She wants to have baby quale's, which I will admit are so tiny and cute and I kid her "delicious as well."



Anyway best to all and I hope I am not so busy this August so to write more.



Joe



.............As for all the hubbub about Friday the Thirteenth, I was born on a Friday the Thirteenth and we'll leave it at that

Dear Bopcha,



What a great Poem! That is one poem I'm sure to remember



I wish everyone a Happy Fourth, pouring rain here in the Pocono's.



Joe

Hello to all, I can hardly believe its been 3 weeks since my last note. Daggone Sid, I was hoping to pop in while Diana was here, I read it as June 24th was their arrival. Most definitely next time Diana.

I'm afraid to say that Daisy, my beloved dog has moved on. She now lives with Rex ( a male Jack Rssl.), along with Pete and Rebecca who so kindly offered to take Daisy. I did put up a fight, I immediatly said no to their request for her adoption. But as weeks went by, I realized a caged life, (while I was at work) was no good for her spirit, so I eventually conceded. I hope Sid, we can borrow her for sausage making this year since she made such an efficient vacuum cleaner. I will miss her.







C'Est La Vie' Daisy













Boy, I had to go all the way back to "Ticks" to catch up, interestingly, I had a filthy bloodsucker tapping my leg tonight - that must have been he 10th one this season - he is now toast.



Bopcha, I hope the poetry keeps flowing, I truly enjoy the poems. While I as a child attended Catholic school, poetry became a way of life for me, the good Sisters of the BVM used recitals as a punishment tool and I became proficient.





My Best to Everyone

Safe travels Diana and Bill



Joe

Thanks Sandra and everyone for your nice comments regarding my letter about California. It was a pleasure refreshing those memories as they fade all to fast.



My Dear Bopcha your poem was very good, I hope to enjoy more of your poetry. I too, also noticed it was a Blue Moon the other night. I did not expect it. I usually track the moon cycles and my calender incorrectly placed it on the 3rd of June.



Sid, I'd be glad to bring a copy of the Dr.'s book for Diana's visit (sorry Diana I'm also a bratty little brother:)). I only hope I will be available.



I've been so busy with the wastewater treatment plant. I only wish the daggone thing would run right! Years of neglect have left us with inoperable and obsolete appurtenances and just banging them with a hammer is not a solution. However, I am working endlessly to prevent unstabilized discharges into the beautiful Upper Delaware river. Although at times I feel more like an "Untouchable" rather than a treatment plant operator at that facility.



Hope all are well.

See you next Sunday. (I've made Sundays my day to log on)

Joe

Sandra

Since, I just noticed the dialogue concerning routes in California, There it was my original stomping grounds- while researching available water utilities for acquisitions during the 90's; and also the fact that I lived on the North Coast for over a year. I will say, as an ex commodity broker/trader that I found the Central valley route fascinating as I drove the endless Cattle ranches and cotton fields, not to mention the vast groves of Oranges and Onions. This route finally empties out into Buck Henry's old town of Bakersfield, for me that way is a delight.



A little further East, beginning at Mt Lassen or above, one can travel the High Sierras, I believe Route 49? 89? (or both) south will take you on a spectacular trip, through monumental landscape and breath taking gorges and ravines, but be prepared to down shift, even in an automatic. This way will take you through the rugged old west, Sonora Valley, Stanislaus National Park, Angels Camp (Mark Twain's home) and Yosemite. The towns are pristine, it's a real shot back in time. I believe it will end in the Kern River Valley where you can then again head West to the coast.



The coast is also a fantastic way, however anywhere above Monterey you can expect FOG, depending on what time of year, and at least until 11 AM the ride is breath taking, especially during an El Nino year when the surf is way up. Be sure to stop in at Clint's restaurant Hog's Breath at Carmel by the Sea. There are other places to eat and allot of them allow you to bring your dog if you have one. Carmel is also exclusive, yet down to earth you will not be disappointed. I also remember a Wal- Mart along the coast somewhere down there ( I know ---Disgusting).



Anyway best of luck to whomever is traveling in Cali. I am very envious and wish I could go along.



Happy Memorial Day to All



Joe Bonamico



P.S. Sid, I've just been enlightened to the fact that you are studying Psychology, God Help Us ALL. I have made it through Nietze's Intro (finally) and am presently working past Nietze 13. I am not sure, but he seems to be a very evil man, although there is allot of sense in what he writes. Try this book.. The Alien Enigma By Dr. Joe Intelisano ( my ex- Chiropractor may he rest in peace). I am more inclined to lead in that direction..........joe

Dear Bopcha,



Just a quick note to wish you a Happy Mothers Day. It is obvious that you have raised a truly wonderful and extraordinary family.



My Best to you.



Joe Bonamico

Hello Bopcha and All,





Its been a heck of a winter here. It started out nice enough, then came Groundhogs Day, with 'Phil' declaring an early spring. What followed next? - Artic Air, Snow, Ice, Rain, and more snow - and on its way tonight, more snow. Lets not forget the many, many miles and hours of Pennsylvania drivers stranded along the turnpike that went along with Phil's Omen

Up here in the Pocono's I find chains are the best way to go, theres nothing like the secure grip of a chain against the road.



Anyway, Joe Jr. has returned from Iraq, he seems unscathed. He was promoted to Sergeant. I'm very happy. Apparently he was closer to the "action" at times, than I had thought. In his opinion, and I can agree, we can't have war and peace at the same time, and war is such a tragedy. He quotes the same sentiments of many soldiers, "If we want to know what its all about, go to Iraq and see for yourself." I always add,"instead of changing the T.V. channel." Joe strongly opposes the public perception of the war - via the news media, and stresses the long term impact of our military purposes. I guess we'll all have to wait and see what time has to tell for the future of peace.



Sid and I, I'm sure you're aware "grinded" out over a hundred pounds of italian sausage in late Dec. I think we had a good time doing it and the sausages came out much better than last year. It was a healthy amount of work that kept us at it until about 3 AM and again the same morning 9 AM til about 4 PM. We just split them up yesterday at my parents house in the Philly suburbs. My Pop packaged em up for us with his shrink wrap machine, after Sid and I were doing it wrong. I think my parents are impressed with our new sausage making skills. I hope Sid will get some out there for you soon.



Other than that all is well with my son and daughter. Matt is doing wonders at work with me and is a very good worker. Kristy my daughter, works at a giant gasoline mart (WaWa food stores), in Camden just under the Walt Whitman Bridge. She works at least 40 hours a week and is attending Community College, she hasn't missed a class yet. I hope she's still shooting for Penn.



As always hope to see you soon, Best to All and please take care.



Joe Bonamico

Hi Bopcha and everyone



Its been 2 months for Joe Jr. in Iraq. The excitement level has been fairly low for him, up until the mortar attack about 2 weeks ago, that blew up a near-by ammo depot.



I told him not to let boredom get the best of him, the perils of surprise could be just around the corner in that place.



Of course my excitemnet level is up, as the whole Iraq mess is sorted thru the news,and insurgent attacks escalate. In Joe's words "this place would be alright if they'd stop messin it all up". meaning the Iraqi's.



Morale is about 50/50 from what I take, He claims there are some who volunteered without knowledge of what to anticipate. When I ask him if he's home-sick or misses home? he says, " not yet" I don't know if thats good or bad from my point of view.



Below is a link to his photo album, there are a few pictures of him on the first page. I'll keep you updated as things transpire for him, I hope he'll return in January, however there is talk of Afghanistan deployment



Click Here for the Link



Anyway Bopcha, all is well otherwise, a heck of a lot better than Sandra's leg, Geez! Sid, if you need Daisy for protection let me know.... Daisy is our 7 pound Jack Russell terrier but couragous as ever.



I'll now have to call Karl Kepper, he's my 73 year old employee, an old school German man tough as nails and about the same size as Daisy. We have work out at the wastewater plant this morning.



I just stepped outside and there is the first flittering of snow flurries against the Autumn sunrise here in the Pocono Mtns. a pretty site to see.





Take Care



Joe Bonamico

Hi Bopcha did you get my comments from the last posting? I entered it through your comments to my posting, if not here it is verbatim:









Bopcha, glad to hear back from you so quickly. My son Joe Jr. (Air Force) is at Fort Drum in upstate New York for the summer. He is scheduled for Iraq in Sept. the 11th I believe (how fitting). I am anticipating a self-transition at that time, in other words "When the War Comes Home". since presently it is only something of news and information for me. Joe Jr. loves the military, and will probably do 20 or so years. He also is trying to get some college courses accomplished, I'm very proud of him even if he did forget to call me on Fathers day.....He'll pay I told him.....



My work load is tremendous at times but it is very gratifying working for yourself. I took a new man on board to manage the office and regulatory side of things, David, is extremely efficient and has been better than I could have hoped for in that job. We're expanding to about 450 customers next month. We acquired another Water/Wastewater System near Narrowsburg NY, its about 25 miles North from here....... (Hamlin PA. which is 15 miles east of Scranton).......The owners (Koberleins)want to retire and are very nice people.



I'm happy to hear your water line is still working good, I told Sid to invent another project/reason for me to go out there I would be glad to do it. If/ when we Sid moves back we'll have to make sausgages both East coast and West coast. I hope that he sent some out for you to try. It went pretty good for our first time, but there's room for improvement....I'm sure.



Anyway I did try to write you several of times but I think they got lost within the internet after the changed email addresse(s)this will work much better. My daughter has just graduated High School and is doing good she lives with her mother in Audubon, New Jersey across from Phila. I have alot of faith in her she is becoming a very wonderful person.....so far so good..... My youngest son Matt (17) lives with me and is working a little with me in this business so we'll see if he sticks to it, I could use the help, he's an excellent worker.



Well take care Bopcha and God Bless write soon, I'll keep you posted of Joe Jr's movements.

#2 Joe on 2006-06-25 13:15 (delete) (Reply)

Joe, you should be able to post away, Just log in and have at it.



Sid

Hello Bopcha,

Its been quite some time since I last talked to you. Sid and I are in his Big City office, I told him I did not have your email address any longer. I hope you are doing well and are in the best of health.



I will wait for your response and write more to your "blog" at that time.





Best to all



Joe