This last week was very, very difficult. On Saturday, February 28, my brother, Teddy, and I buried a childhood friend. While we were at the wake, I got a phone call. I was told by my cousin, “If you want to see your dad, do not wait till tomorrow. Come tonight.” They brought him home on hospice. We arrived a few hours later to see him in a hospital bed in his living room. Within an hour of us being there, he passed away. We were right by his side. My heart is broken. My buddy, Donnie Sullivan, you will be forever missed. Life is too short. If you are thinking of someone call them. Tell people you love them before it’s too late. I guess the older we get, the more people we lose. 

March is not my favorite month. My mom will be gone eight years on the 10th, my husband six years on the 22nd. It seems like yesterday. They will all be forever in my heart.

Cochecton Youth Commission is really trying to keep the kids busy during the COVID-19 pandemic. Follow them on Facebook for upcoming events.

It’s 2021 tax season. All March tax payments must be post marked by March 31. If you would like to pay in full online, visit www.webtownhall.com/onlinepaymentportalcochectonny/Home.aspx. You must go to tax look up to view the amount you owe. The payment must have the penalty in it or it will be returned. Once my books are closed, it goes to the county and they add more penalties. Last year I collected 88.70 percent and I am already at 83 percent; I would love to hit 90 percent. It’s a little game I play; I always want to beat last year’s number. When I started many years ago, it was at 70 percent.  

Can you smell it cooking? I can. Save the date for these two different corned beef and cabbage dinners: On Saturday, March 13, starting at 4:30 p.m. at Lakeview Pizza & Bar in Lake Huntington, NY, George is getting ready to make your mouth water. Call ahead for takeout or to make a reservation at 845/932-8131. On Sunday, March 21, starting at 12:30 p.m. at Holy Cross Church on Route. 97, Callicoon, NY, the Knights of Columbus is sure to give you a good dinner. 

I love Irish soda bread with a stick of butter; I only will eat the one from Pete’s Market. It’s nice and soft without seeds, just raisins. I learned from my mom to make Irish mush: Cut up everything from the dinner and fry it the next day in bacon grease. Yummy.  

Wash your hands and, please, wear a mask. Have a great week. You can email me at leeniebeans@citlink.net or call 845/252-3568 if you have any news.