Here are three relighting stories that focus on memories of joy in another time. So much happiness involved in our being in Skaneateles. Such a beautiful “Norman Rockwell” town. Our jewelry cases in Bud Cooney`s Antiques store, the delightful atmosphere, Doug’s Fish Fry, Doing the shows in the Hockey Rink. The boat rides, the lakeside parks, on and on. So many memories we created there over the last 30+ years.
The first of these stories took place in August of 2013. The narrative as extracted from my “Conversations with Jean” follows:
Last Friday, I just had to take a trip down memory lane and go again to Skaneateles. I wanted to do all the things we used to do there, see old friends, cruise the shops, sit in the park and enjoy the lake, eat Scrod at the Mandana, do a village band concert, ice cream cone at Doug’s Fish Fry, all those things. I invited Marcia and Jon Parkes and Dick and Barbara Doyle to share the events with us as well. We had a great time. Dick closed the antique store early and he and Barbara joined us at the Mandana. Guess what… James is now the owner. All his waiting on table there gave him the courage and incentive to take the plunge; he waited on us and wouldn’t allow me to leave a tip. I treated them all, it was my way of saying thank you for giving me the opportunity. Jon Parkes generously contributed by driving all the way there and back. That was so good of him. Of course we all had Scrod. It was very good, but honestly, not quite up to what I remember.
Anyway, Barbara was her old self, and had everybody in stitches. It really was like old times. I so enjoyed myself. You were right there with us. James did not know you had passed away, and felt rather bad after I informed him. He is doing very well with his restaurant and it was very busy when we were there. I’m glad I made rezzies We were at the big round table in front of the fireplace. Everything changes. Dick informed me that Bud Cooney passed away about two years ago. Dick himself looks quite a bit older (I’m still the same). Barbara hasn’t changed, her face is as bright as ever. We were having such a good time that we completely missed the band concert. When we were driving by they were doing their closing number “Stars and Stripes forever”. We rolled down the window and listened from the car. As the hour was late and we were full, we skipped the ice cream Got back to Rochester about 9:45PM. What a great day…
The second relighting took place this past August. August 2014.
On the next Friday, I took another trip down memory lane to Skaneateles with Marcia and Jon. Just like last summer. Marcia enjoyed herself, and wanted to repeat the process. We didn’t invite the others this time, because I wanted to concentrate on Marcia and her husband. But we went to the same restaurant. Ate the same Scrod, and enjoyed our visits to memory lane. We could feel your presence there. It was a great day.
Next August, Marcia, Jon, and I plan on going again. This time, we are going to do the boat ride. I will be able relive that experience as well. Always something for which to look forward. I can’t wait.