Day: July 6, 2018

Some years ago, Ed and Carol were driving through Southern Maryland, and they saw a huge carved wooden gorilla at an antiques store. Ed always promised he would go back and get it one day.

After he was diagnosed with brain cancer, Ed swore he would go get the gorilla, and he would sit out on it and show the world that he was still there. Things didn’t quite turn out that way.  Ed soon became too ill to go to Maryland, and Carol went on their blog, the Bejosh Farm Journal, to ask for helping finding it.

A reader from Maryland remembered the gorilla, of course, and went to see if it was still there. It wasn’t, it had been sold years ago. Ed gave up on the idea.

Earlier in the week, a blog reader of mine, Gayle from San Francisco, sent me an e-mail saying a gorilla was on the way to me to give to Ed. I couldn’t quite imagine what she meant. Today, this quite adorable stuffed gorilla came to the farm and we brought it right over to Ed.

He just loved it immediately, named him “Eddie” and said he wished to sleep alongside him every night and keep him right on the bed with him all day. “Eddie” calmed him and soothed  him, it was the perfect gift at the right time.

Maria and Carol both fell in love with the gorilla also, Carol said he would be welcome to sleep in her bed if Ed didn’t want him. Ed does want him, and I think he isn’t going anywhere.

Thank Gayle, I don’t know who you are, but you did real good and I appreciate it, and so goes Ed. There are so many people in the world aching for a chance to do good. Some of them even do it.

Friday night was Bingo night for Maria and I at the Mansion, we called about seven games in little over an hour and Peggie won one of the special prizes we have assembled for bingo nights. She just adored the Pink Bunny and we were all having fun so we decided to make a short film about the Pinky Bunny Meeting Osgood and beginning a new life.

Basically, the film shows me and the Pink Bunny having a conversation about her new life with Mrs. Osgood. Something quite new for me. Peggie got right into it, so did the bunny.

I think it requires no further explanation. Come and see. Even Red joined in. Maria started it, but was too dignified to stay with it. I on the other hand, plunged right in.

 

 

It is a surprise for me to see how much stuffed animals mean to the residents of the Mansion, coming off of a very trying and very hot week. The weather turned beautiful today and everybody felt lighter. Mary, Peggie’s   Bingo mate, won a hawk that actually sounds like a hawk. She did a cameo in the video at the end.

I love Peggie, she is a tremendous presence in the Mansion, and a very distinct personality. She does not ever give up on life. And she loves Bingo. Maria and i have come to relish our Friday bingo nights, and so do the residents I think. Another full house tonight, and everybody is a winner.

If you wish to write to Peggie, you can do so by sending your letters to Peggie, c/o The Mansion, 11 S.Union Avenue, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816. They love stuffed animals there, and Peggie has a bed full.

You can also support my work at the Mansion by contributing to it: The Gus Fund, c/o Jon Katz. P.O. Box 205, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816, or via Paypal, [email protected]. Every bit helps and is put to good use.

Don’t forget to check out the new Mansion Amazon Wish List, we are planning a spectacular summer, as you can see by the list. There has not been one like it.

The Mansion Wish List started at 14 items, half are gone, they range in price from $4.99 to $18. Fun stuff, as you can see.

Even pretzel baking mix! ($10.39) That will be a memorable activity hour. And enjoy the video, I have not ever done one quite like it either.

 

 

 

 

Bingo at the Mansaion

Julie Harlin sent me this photo of Wayne in the Shark’s Mouth at the Ava Aquarium in Rotterdam, N.Y., part of an outing sponsored by the Army Of Good. They had a blast.

I’m also happy to report there is a new Amazon Wish List with 14 items on it, requests to support the annual picnic, the Mansion Art Show In August and the family gathering to take place under the three small tents we purchased for them a few weeks ago.

The Mansion is a Medicaid Assisted Care Facility. Without your help, so much of the wonderful activities underway would never have been possible. You are making an amazing difference.

This list is eclectic, items range from $3 to $29.95,  your gifts include ribbons and banners and cotton candy, Hawaian Shaved Ice, a Duck Pong game and a Snow Cone Maker.

We are bracing for a riotous summer at the Mansion, thanks in advance for your help. You can see the Mansion Wish List here. This will make possible a summer of celebration, outdoor activities, awards and fun.

A number of people have complained that the list sells out so quickly that many of you have not had a chance to participate. Here you go.

Greg Burch, the logger, came in his truck today with two cords of firewood for the winter.

He brought his aging Pug J.D. along, as he almost always does. JD  was the dog and Greg the man that inspired me to look for a small dog and resulted in my getting Gus and also personally exploring the small dog revolution in America.

Greg is one of my favorite Big Men In Big Trucks, he always writes around with J.D. and can barely talk about him without nearly coming to tears – sometimes he does. He is tough and experienced veteran logger, I was surprised at the depth and feeling of his connection to J.D.

I always thought of big touch men with big touch dogs. It’s not true.

I noticed a large number of big men in trucks up with small dogs up here in the country and I became curious about the deep connection these men and dogs had with one another. Small dogs are now the most popular dogs in America, and I was also eager to understand this.

I got Gus and began to understand it and write about it, that experience was cut short by his illness and death. So we are trying again with Bud. J.D. and Greg hold a special place in my heart, Greg’s love for this dog is inspiring and moving for me.

J.D. is a bit deaf, but has an amazing face. These are the two that started it all for me.

The latest Ed Gulley sketch for sale, “Bridal Bouquet,” sketched yesterday. Ed is asking $100 for the sketch, if you are interested, please e-mail me at [email protected], if you are the first to contact me, I’ll e-mail you payment instructions. First come, first serve. Thanks so much. E-mails are flying fast and furious, so please excuse any confusion.