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COLUMNS: Slices
of Life
I am not sure whether Mrs. Morris learns her persistent, impulsive eating habits from me or whether I get mine from her. But whichever way it is, we both must stop. She sat by the kitchen table tonight and yowled all the while I was trying to eat my dinner. Then every few minutes I’d feel this little scratch on my upper leg. She’d be reaching full length to give me that announcement that she was still there and I wasn’t paying attention. "No," I said for the umpteenth time. "I’m not giving you any more to eat. You’ve eaten all day." But she persisted until I finally left the kitchen and came into my office to write. She followed me and tried to get my attention for awhile, but finally figured out that I wasn’t leaving this chair, and went upstairs to lie by the heater in the hall. That’s her second-best place if she can’t be in the kitchen. Ah, that I had a keeper who wouldn’t allow me to have more food when I’d already had enough! But there is no one to tell me, "no" except me, and I’m very lenient. It’s been a bad couple weeks because I’ve been baking for Christmas. I’ve sent packages of food through the mail, and delivered some to homes I’ve visited. And every time I make something, I have to taste it to make sure it’s all right. Yeah, that sounds good. Actually I lick the batter bowl, then try a couple baked cookies, or the crumbs engendered when cutting bars. If it’s fudge, there are always smidgens left over when I cut it. Then I tell myself things like, "You don’t make this very often, so you can have a few crumbs – or a few pieces. You can save out just two cookies – no, make that three – but the others you must give away." No matter what I tell myself, I keep on snacking. And the scales and the clothes are starting to show it. I need someone to do for me what I do for Mrs. Morris. Someone to decide rationally how much is enough and then not let me have anymore. There will be another day and I will bake again. This isn’t my very last chance for something sweet and good. I was having a conversation with a fellow-eater the other night and she was bemoaning that her nemesis was salty things. "I don’t have trouble with cookies and pie," she said. "My temptation is anything salty and crunchy; chips, pretzels, gourmet crackers... I tell my husband, ‘Just don’t get near me with those things,’” she said. And she’s doing well. She reached a weight-watcher’s goal by losing twenty percent of her body weight. I’m impressed. I feel like I’ve gained what she lost. I bargain with myself by saying, "I’ll finish these two pieces of fudge, but then I won’t eat another. I’ll put all the rest in the freezer." Sounds good. But I’ve discovered that frozen fudge is good, and it thaws rather quickly in the microwave. And this time of year, it’s not only what I make, but also what others make for me that causes my trouble. I received a real treat yesterday; a gift bag of nuts, ginger cookies, a tin of cookies, cheese, peanut brittle and a beautiful macaroon filled with jelly. You talk about temptation. (To which I have succumbed already.) I’ve decided that turnabout is fair play and I’m now saying, "Mrs. Morris, put me on a diet. Please!"
SUSQUEHANNA: It has been announced that through the wishes of Miss Helen Gould of New York, a R.R.Y.M.C.A. is to be established in this place. This is indeed good news to our railroad men, who no doubt will enjoy the privileges afforded by such institutions. It is said Miss Gould will soon visit Susquehanna to presumably perfect the plans. AND: The death of Dennis Casey occurred last Monday morning, aged 65 years. Deceased was an ex-County Commissioner and one of the first members of St. John’s Branch No. 11, C.M.B.A.A. AND: The Binghamton High School has accepted a challenge to debate at Susquehanna, January 4, with the Susquehanna High School. The question for debate is: “Resolved. That it would be more beneficial for the people of the United States if the government owned and controlled the railroads.” CLIFFORD: The Northeastern Telephone Co. has made arrangements for service to Carbondale and other points in the valley, connecting at Forest City. This service will be appreciated by the people here, as the independent line is frequently out of order. HOPBOTTOM: The death of Myron Titus occurred at his home on Dec 12, after nearly a week’s illness of pneumonia. Our community was deeply saddened by the intelligence as it spread from home to home, to think our respected friend and neighbor had very suddenly been summoned from this life to enter into blessed rest. Another soldier in the Civil War has entered into rest. His age was about 64 years and a wife and son survive. SILVER LAKE: James R. Kane and nephew, John T. Kane, cut 15 cords of wood in 24 hours, recently. AND: At Laurel Lake Misses Mary and Nellie Buckley entertained the Y. P. Pedro Club last Thursday evening. The first prize was won by Frank McGraw and Miss Katherine Kane, the consolation prizes by Miss Loretta Donovan and Charles Rogers. After the game refreshments were served and music and dancing were enjoyed. MONTROSE: Coasting has formed the chief amusement of the young people the past week and the Cherry street hill has been thronged both afternoon and evening with the merry makers. It is not an infrequent sight to see a hundred on the hill at one time. AND: The sleighing of the past week has been excellent and if the country roads remain in as good condition as they are at present until after Christmas the merchants will be supremely happy. It will pay the Christmas shoppers to at last give the home merchant a trial before looking for bargains in the city. They will find that the local merchants are well supplied with good goods; in fact some are complaining their stocks are so large they are unable to display them to advantage. No matter what arguments you may advance to support city shopping you will find soon or late that it pays to buy of the local dealers. SPRINGVILLE: Stephen Tuttle attended the funeral at Dimock, of Mr. Osborn, using his new hearse for the first time. A very fine turn-out but a ride which we none of us care to participate in at present. THOMPSON: We are informed that the dancing opened at the Grange hall Dec. 2nd, with a grand ball. We are reminded that those who dance must pay the fiddler. BROOKLYN: That was a very happy entertainment that the Brooklyn Lodge of Odd Fellows tendered themselves and wives a week or so ago. Sandwiches and coffee were prepared and served in the fashion by the men. The ladies enjoyed it hugely. The entertainment consisted of selections from Benj. Jewett’s phonograph, two recitations by Mrs. Samuel Bailey, an original poem by Rev. T. L. Drury, subject: “Our Jonathan and David” and a song by Rev. J. B. Sumner. AND: The recent sale of the property of the LaPlume Milk Company took place on Tuesday. The goods were sold by Constable J. I. Chapman, of Montrose. Thus has passed out of Brooklyn what for the past year has been the leading industry. The fire, which destroyed this plant on the night of Oct. 6, was a very unfortunate conflagration. It put the company out of commission. They have not received pay for their insurance as yet, and the farmers have not received pay for their September and October milk. W. W. Palmer has about completed his arrangements for bottling and shipping the milk from his herd of full blood Jersey cows to Brooklyn, N.Y. The milk will bring a fancy price. HARFORD: J. A. Sophia is building a new house on the site of the old wagon shop and woolen factory. AND: The Grangers have been making improvements on their hall, which is now one of the finest equipped halls in the state, and the Grange is fast becoming one of the strongest in every respect. UNIONDALE: Dan B. Carpenter died at his home near Uniondale, Nov. 27, 1904. A year or more ago he suffered a stroke of paralysis and six weeks ago a second stroke left him in a helpless condition. Mr. Carpenter was born in Greenfield on the 17th day of April 1827. His was an adventurous spirit imbued with the ardor and restlessness of the pioneer. Early in life he came to what is now Forest city and with his father erected a saw mill. From here in a short time he went to Dunmore, taking charge of the freight depot. A few years later found him learning the watchmaker’s trade with James Searle in Pittston. He worked at the trade until the war broke out when he joined the construction corps. In 1857, in Clifford township, Mr. Carpenter was married to Dollie Burdick. She, with one, son, Atty. F. B. Carpenter, of this place, and two sisters, Mrs. Polly Stanton, of Greenfield, and Mrs. Hannah Everson, of Montdale, survive him. In early life deceased affiliated with Coalville lodge, I.O.O.F., of Ashley. LITTLE MEADOWS: The oyster supper at Fitzmartin’s hotel was attended by many of our young people. AND: Sydney Gibson and Miss Mary Holland were married recently. JACKSON: B. Marsh, who has been confined to his home for four weeks from a broken skull as a result of a kick from his horse, is able to be out again. HOW TO MAIL CHRISTMAS GIFTS: In mailing Christmas gifts have the package weighed by some responsible person, place the exact amount of postage needed upon the parcel and in 999 cases put of a possible 1000 your package will reach its destination safely and promptly. In addressing the package write the name of the person who is to receive it in ink, spelling both the city and state, and do not abbreviate. Place your name in small writing in either the upper or lower left hand corner. LYNN, Springville Twp.: The Sunday School children are busy preparing for Xmas exercises that will be held in the M.E. church Xmas Eve. BROOKLYN: Special music and sermon and sermon for Xmas day have been arranged for next Sunday morning at the Universalist church. The pastor, Rev. T. L. Drury, will deliver a poem sermon. The young people will hold Xmas services in the evening. The Presbyterians will hold their Xmas exercises Friday evening of this week and the Methodists will hold their exercises on Saturday evening. UPSONVILLE: The M. E. Sunday School will hold a Christmas Tree on Saturday evening. MONTROSE: The most of the Christmas Trees will be held Saturday night, but the Methodist’s will be on Monday night. SUSQUEHANNA: The Catholic Choir has prepared a special program of music for Christmas Day. AND: Clarence Wheeler, the young man who left here with his cousin’s wife and horse and buggy, was arrested by Officer Welch in Binghamton. The story of the elopement as given to the Susquehanna police by the deserted husband, William Wheeler, was to the effect that, while he was asleep, his wife and Clarence departed for parts unknown with his horse and wagon, all the money there was in the house and an overcoat. Mrs. Wheeler denied part of the allegations, saying that the horse and wagon belonged to her and that she started out to sell them with her husband’s knowledge. ELK LAKE: Homer Young has gone to Springville where he is running a barber shop. The people here will miss Homer. LATHROP TWP.: Much dissatisfaction has been occasioned by the farmers in Lathrop on account of the changes on the mail route from Hopbottom to West Lathrop to R.F.D. route from Nicholson to Ainey, thereby doing away with the daily delivery of mail on the first mentioned route. We understand that the Lathrop post-office is to be discontinued as at first reported. NORTH JACKSON: Austin Benson, an old-time Erie passenger conductor, on Friday left for California to spend the winter. GLENWOOD: The snow of Saturday eve. has given us good sleighing. Hauling logs has begun in earnest. AND: The neighbors turned out in numbers and had a wood bee for Miss Lucy Conrad, by which she is well supplied with good hard wood. RUSH: Allen, Donnelly & Co., of Easton, Pa., have received the first sub-contract from the Colonial Construction Company on the proposed New York, Pennsylvania & Southwestern Railroad. It was let Dec. 15, 1904, at Binghamton, and calls for grading and masonry work on a 15 mile stretch between a point two miles this side of Wyalusing and extending to two miles north of Lawton, Pa. The sub-contractors will haul their steam shovel from Montrose to Lawton, it is reported, and their cars and carts will be shipped to Wyalusing. Teams have already been engaged in Binghamton to assist the work. It is expected that before the middle of January the construction work on the entire part of the line in Pennsylvania will be under way. SOUTH GIBSON: It will be of interest to the farmers and patrons of the South Gibson Creamery, to learn of the contract just closed between Clark Bros. of Scranton and this Co. The fact that this firm sold 10,000 tubs of butter in the year just closed, while we realize we cannot supply this amount, we feel sure of a good market for the entire output from this creamery. Clark Brothers’ Mammoth Store is considered one of the finest in northeastern Pennsylvania. Their increasing popularity and immense sales will assure the people of a safe market for the season’s butter and no better advertisement can be given the firm than that they handle South Gibson creamery butter. CHOCONUT: Thomas Marooney and James Hawley were in Montrose yesterday afternoon. They had a cold ride before them at night--15 miles. DIMOCK: A general smash up, caused by the spreading of a rail, took place on the Montrose branch of the Lehigh Valley, near Dimock, Wednesday afternoon. A train made up of a baggage and passenger coach and three loaded coal cars was rounding a curve near the Calby farm when the accident occurred. The machine was not derailed but the coal cars toppled over into a gully, while the baggage and passenger coaches were dragged over on their sides. The trucks were broken off, wood and iron work smashed, couplings wrenched from their fastenings, windows shattered and the scared passengers thought as one later said, “the world was coming to an end.” All escaped without serious injury, but nearly all had painful bruises and cuts. FOREST CITY: Four men were injured in a wreck on the O. & W. on Saturday morning. The cause of the collision is said to have been the failure of the signal operator to drop his block against the south bound train. The engineers made every effort to check their speed as soon as they saw each other. The northbound train was nearly stopped when they met. Traffic was blocked for several hours. Both engineers, Norton and Halliday, were cut and bruised by jumping; fireman Deep has his ankle sprained and Fireman Simons’ hip was injured. MONTROSE: Many of the stores have been lavishly decorated for Christmas, but not to the extent of some previous years. The reason most merchants decorate is to attract trade, and they are saying that their business has been such or their stocks so large that they lacked time or had no room to display goods, good cause for not doing so. The interior of Read’s store is elaborately decorated in an effective manner; G. H. Watrous’ store windows also present an attractive spectacle. Then there are Lyons’ and Sprouts’ stores [ribbon candy, peanut brittle, molasses crisp, butter scotch, pop corn balls]; Billings & Co.’s, and Kraiss’ furniture parlors; Cooley & Sons and Ryan’s hardware stores; McCausland’s, Burns’ and Morris’ drug stores; Dessauer’s, Warner’s and Robinove’s clothing stores; Smith’s music store, True’s jewelry store, and, well in fact every business place in town has “spruced up” in some way or other and in keeping with the gay and festive Christmastide. With the stores thronged, as they have been the past week, all of the merchants are contented. NEWS BRIEF: One of the safest and best ways to send a few choice cut flowers to a distance is to cut slips in potatoes and insert the flowers stems, taking care that they are firmly fastened in and supported by a little cotton or paper. An ordinary potato will keep most flowers fresh for two weeks or more in a moderate temperature. Potatoes can also be used in floral decorations, being disguised by leaves and flowers.
Along
the Way...With P. Jay
Well, lookee here it’s Christmas time, For Judge Ken Seamans, a long time friend, For Roberta Kelly who ain’t no slouch, For Jeff Loomis a nice surprise And for Mary Ann Warren For Suzanne Brainard, the chief county clerk, For Sue Eddleston our Prothonotary, For Cathy Benedict who handles our dough, To newlyweds Mary, Dawn and Sandy, For the county sheriff and his deputies, And in Probation where the guys devour, For the district attorney’s capable crew, For the security guard at the courthouse door, For the gang in Assessment who share the cellar, For Bev, Mary Jo, Becky and Jan, For George, Clara Jane and Holly, For Jason, Kathy, and Lorraine, For Reta, Donna, Jeff and Jim, For John, Sami, Lisa, Phil, and Marlene, For Connie, Peggy, and Michele, For Kathy, Brian and Dave, For Linda, Mark, and Trudy, For Jennifer, Tom, Joan and Rick, For Bob, Amy and Eleanor, I know there are some I probably left out;
For the children of abuse in any form, that their little hearts will find strength to heal, and that their souls will be filled with peace, hope and love. For the victims of criminal conduct, that they will find peace this holiday season. For teenagers and young adults tempted for the first time with the allure of controlled substances, that they find the strength to refuse these poisons. For those under 21 years of age, that they understand and respect the law and not consume alcoholic beverages. For those who have consumed alcoholic beverages in excess, regardless of their age, that they will not operate a motor vehicle while intoxicated, and that family and friends will have the courage to make the right decision in the event that a loved one is unable to recognize their own intoxicated state. For the victims of domestic violence, that their homes be filled with peace and harmony during this holiday season, and that their relationships find a peaceful solution to end the cycle of violence. For those incarcerated during the holidays, that they reflect upon the transgressions that have disrupted their lives and that they will find the resolve to seek a better life upon their release, and that they receive the love and support of their families and friends as they begin to seek a more productive life. For those struggling with substance abuse and addiction, that they seek assistance in their personal war against these demons and that they find those willing to lend them the support necessary to find the path to recovery. For those recovering from any form of addiction, that their hearts be filled with peace and the strength necessary for continued sobriety, and that they not be tempted to return to the dark world of addiction. Please submit any questions, concerns, or comments to Susquehanna County District Attorney’s Office, P.O. Box 218, Montrose, Pennsylvania 18801.
“ Britten Clark, Seattle, WA If your region’s water source is rich in magnesium and calcium salts ("hard" water), adding rinse-aid to your dishwasher along with the detergent may help prevent streaks and spotting on your glassware and dishes. Rinse-aid – the ingredients of which are usually ethanol, citric acid, sodium, dyes and acrylic acid polymers – breaks down the salts in hard water, thereby preventing the adhesion of soap clumps during the rinse cycle, leaving cleaner-looking results (although consuming food and drinks from streaked or spotted dishes and glassware is not a health hazard in its own right). The National Institutes of Health report that most rinse-aid is completely biodegradable, and while it is neither carcinogenic nor dangerous if used properly, it can cause eye and skin irritation following prolonged exposure and should not be ingested, of course. While the use of rinse-aid to combat dishwasher streaking is no environmental crime, those concerned about the consumption of resources might think twice about the need for it. Mainstream rinse-aid, like dishwasher soap itself, contains phosphates in its cleaning agents. Wastewater containing phosphates which escapes sewage treatment can cause excessive algae growth in waterways which in turn pollutes drinking water and leads to marine “dead zones” – underwater environments deprived of oxygen and thus unable to support life. Consumers should keep in mind that dishwasher soaps, as well as laundry detergent and many other household items, also contain phosphates that can cause problems if not disposed of properly. It’s easy to avoid rinse-aid and other household items with phosphates by seeking out products from any of several companies that only use plant-based ingredients. Earth Friendly Products, Ecover and Simply Clean, to name just a few, make environmentally friendly rinse-aid that can be found in most natural foods markets. Beyond avoiding phosphates, these companies also pride themselves in avoiding petrochemicals and dyes in their products. Also, just because your dishwasher may need rinse-aid does not mean you should fear drinking hard water from the tap. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), drinking hard water regularly poses no health threat and can actually help lower the incidence of heart disease, as the abundant magnesium and calcium salts help break down arterial plaque in the bloodstream. CONTACTS: Earth Friendly Products, (800) 335-3267, www.ecos.com; Ecover, www.ecover.com; Simply Clean, www.simplyclean.ca; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, www.epa.gov. Dear EarthTalk: With all the talk of hydrogen fueled vehicles, I can't help but wonder if millions of cars driving around spewing out water vapor – a well-known "greenhouse gas" itself – is any better than the carbon dioxide emitted by traditional cars? Kelly Grube, Fleetwood, PA Climate analysts do believe that water vapor in the atmosphere – mostly due to natural evaporation from bodies of water – is already contributing significantly to climate change. According to the esteemed International Panel on Climate Change, atmospheric water vapor exacerbates warming caused by the emission of fossil fuels by as much as 50 percent. However, the additional water vapor that might be created by millions of fuel-cell vehicles running on hydrogen – while it may sound like a lot – would constitute only a drop in the bucket compared to that which naturally occurs. Water vapor is actually present in our atmosphere at much higher concentrations than carbon dioxide. According to Mississippi State University meteorologist Jeff Haby, who runs the Weather Prediction Website, the average concentration of water vapor in the atmosphere around the globe is presently between two and three percent, while carbon dioxide levels are only at about .04 percent (four one-hundredths of a percent). “That means there is more than 60 times as much water vapor in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide in average conditions,” says Haby. However, water vapor is far less efficient at trapping heat within Earth’s atmosphere than carbon dioxide, the leading fossil-fuel-based greenhouse gas. Despite its prevalence, water vapor tends to concentrate locally and then get cycled through the meteorological system quickly (in the form of clouds and then rain). Meanwhile, carbon dioxide is an insidious greenhouse gas that lingers in the upper atmosphere for long periods of time and forms a dense barrier to the escape of heat. While water vapor can cause short-term day-to-day warming locally, carbon dioxide can actually raise the Earth’s temperature both globally and permanently. Meanwhile, fuel cell advocates such as industrial designer Robert Q. Riley do not see the increased production of water vapor by the hoped-for hydrogen-powered vehicles of the future as a major concern. “Natural evaporation from lakes and rivers produces about 1000 times more water vapor than would come from a transportation system that was totally powered by fuel cells,” says Riley. “So the increased moisture in the air is pretty much inconsequential.” CONTACTS: International Panel on Climate Change, www.ipcc.ch; The Weather Prediction Website, www.theweatherprediction.com; NASA’s Earth Observatory, www.earthobservatory.nasa.gov. GOT AN ENVIRONMENTAL QUESTION? Send it to: EarthTalk, c/o E/The Environmental Magazine, P.O. Box 5098, Westport, CT 06881; or submit your question at: www.emagazine.com, or e-mail us at: earthtalk@emagazine.com.
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The Feeding Frenzy
Dear EarthTalk: My new dishwasher has receptacles for both soap and “rinse-aid.” Is rinse-aid safe for the environment, and do I need to use it in my dishwasher?