Wiser’s Wramblings-Word Salad and Wrecommended Friends

Computers, word salads, and the birds are back!

By Chuck Wiser, I write the words to share what my eyes see and my heart feels

Since I awoke this morning thinking about a few friends, new or old, recently met or seen, and/or having worked with, I couldn’t think of a better time to mention them. Thinking of alternative words or phrases was the motivator for today’s Wrambling, but, the second thoughts of the day distracted me when a word phrase that Wrambled through my head spun me off on the tangent, which resulted in a list of such words.

The writing/typing of this Wrambling, is brought to you through the good graces of Wellsville Computers and specifically my main link to that business named Heather. After having enjoyed her assistance with another computer problem I mentioned that I was going to write about her and her paraphrased words were “Don’t you dare.” When I explained that it was in a broader context tied to my satisfaction, and actual enjoyment of my fairly recent exposure, she gave her consent. As mentioned before, my first recommended access to their services was from  Wellsville Sun owner/editor Andrew Harris, which played a role in the initial interaction, and recommendation of them as a source for a new computer.

When local politicists or business people recommend or try to steer* you toward “buying local” it has, or should have a deeper meaning. It’s more than just giving them your business to ensure their continued success. Many people, me included, feel that a local purchase will most likely lead to spending at higher prices. That may be true some of the time, but not always. The intangible in that whole scenario is the receipt of follow up assistance with that purchased product (or service) and accessibility to those features.

Try to call Walmart and receive their assistance in activating your new computer and/or how to install the automotive part just purchased. “Ain’t gonna happen!” as the phrase goes.

I noted and highlighted Steer above as a preface to discussing that word. Today’s Wrambling is the second time I have tried to use “Stear” as an alternative meaning separate from steer. There is no alternative meaning, despite my initial belief unless you are playing Scrabble. The Google gods indicate Stear thusly: “stear is a valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary.”

In keeping with the “prefacing business related” topics I would also like to publicly commend Dan Fuller who  owns and operates the Dry Brook Garage here in Scio. For out of area readers, Dry Brook garage is on the Scio end of the Dry Brook road that wends it’s way out of Scio into parts unknown between the hills adjacent to the towns of Alfred and Belmont. One of these days I might include Cooley Hill Road and Waughbrook Road in my Wramblings on “Roads Sometimes Traveled”

And another…I’m not normally politically oriented and as I’ve mentioned before, I don’t vote for a person, unless  it’s a vote for the lesser of two evils. Nor am I “Party Affiliated” in that I am neither Democrat nor Republican. That topic reminded me of a poem written several years ago and which may again be shared in future writings. I am a “Conservaliberalist.I vote for the person who best represents how I feel and/or, “Not for,” someone that does not align with my beliefs.

I guess I go more for a candidate’s “character” or political intentions, and even who they publicly support.

The other day as I arrived home from yet another trip to Olean, this one addressing a Spectrum problem not within the realm of responsibility of Wellsville Computers, a satellite branch of Spectrum services. There was an un-recognized car in the driveway. As I exited my vehicle, I noticed a gentleman who was conversing with my wife. That, in and of itself, had a positive effect as she normally would turn a salesperson, or fund collector, away even before they got to the porch. But, There on the porch, with clipboard in hand was the gentleman who identified himself to me as Bud Dodson, announcing that he was soliciting signatures to allow his placement as a candidate for Town Justice in Scio. I didn’t, and won’t, commit to anything further than signing his petition. Given the familiarity of his last name we asked about the possibility of his being related to Homer or LaVern Dodson, former residents, of Friendship, NY. He was and is. We talked, very minimally about politics, chatting for nearly an hour and a half standing there on the front porch. He had at one time I believe, lived in Friendship, or was at least familiar with the people I grew up with in both Friendship, and more importantly for me, Nile, NY, that thriving metropolis of about 125 residents.

In our discussions, more about people than politics, various threads of how he felt politically, and how he would serve as a Town Justice did come out. I won’t say anything herein to advise whether to vote for or against him, but rather, if you get a chance to meet him…DO It! You will enjoy his company.

As end “end cap” to today’s Wrambling I will include a “new and shining” list of alternative words or phrase use-ology. That may come several hours from now as I keep getting distracted here in the Sun-Bird room. Every time I detect motion at the upper limit of my vision spectrum I look up to see, and watch, an Oriole, pair of Orioles or the same combination of Rose Breasted Grosbeaks. I believe that I may have mentioned a lesser awareness of the female Grosbeaks in last weeks Wrambling as they were not present nearly as often as the males, but they are now back in abundance. I believe they were busy building their nest/home.

Speaking of home, my wife pointed out an Orioles nest in my neighbor’s front yard tree. I sent Don Kear a phone message advising him of same, and he was grateful, not yet having noticed it.

We are convinced that the Orioles and Grosbeaks are neighbors themselves from wherever they migrate from. There is a familiarity, or lack of “conflict” between them as they share neighboring food sources. The Grosbeaks are fond of the Sunflower seeds, “almost” exclusively, while the Orioles usually favor the grape jelly. I add exclusively to both as the Grosbeaks will occasionally feed on a bite or two of the grape jelly, and the Orioles can often be seen picking up an insect, or “I think,” an apple bud-blossom. Our year-round visiting Cardinals accept the migratory intruders and whilst not ready to share “side by side” dining, they will politely sit on an adjacent a tree branch addition to our feeding stations, until it is their time to feed. They may give attempting intruding visitors the “Stink Eye” suggesting that they wait their turn. Eventually they yield their “seat at the trough” so to speak. All visiting aviary friends are accommodating except the “un-welcome” Blue Jays.

Now comes the ending section of my Wrambling as I mention the thoughts, observations or inventions of my imagination from the previous week.

• The Allegany County Veterans Association officiated by Administrator Harold “Bud” Budinger and Assistant Administrator Mallory Short, held another Allegany County, PFC Joseph Dwyer Veterans Agency appreciation event recently, at the Wellsville Municipal Airport. The event was sponsored by, and for the benefit of, the Rushford NY Fire Department. Over two dozen Veterans with guests shared another scrumptious breakfast and maybe more importantly, conversations with fellow veterans who were also there.
• Have you ever wondered “How fast can a half fast woodpecker peck when it would peck wood wouldn’t he?” Technically they can peck at a rate of 20 pecks per second which is facilitated by very relatively strong neck muscles and nerve system. It challenges your nervous system if it happens to be on a nearby street sign or on your tin roof.
• My new word/phrase of the week is “Taste-a-licious.” This pertains to the curly fries that you can only get at Arby’s. My Arby’s of choice is the one at the I390 exit in Dansville, NY.
• Have you ever tried to cut your fingernails in the sunlight or the light of a lamp? Me too! The reflection is blinding and obscures your vision. An option is offered by some clipper manufacturers with a rubber sleeve that covers the “lever” of the clippers. This works fairly well but is somewhat problematic if the “sleeve” keeps slipping back or off.
• Serenity Hill Golf Course in Friendship, NY is now officially open. “Serenity” was its mission when Pudge Cooper designed and built the course, and it certainly is just that. Serenity Hill is a friendly, family oriented 9-hole golf course overlooking Friendship on Cty. Rte. 31.
• Here are some Wiser Word Definitions that will eventually find their way into a Second formal list or compilation.

If you have any comments, questions or concerns please email me at IM.Wiserdad@gmail.com