Debra Dooley has a Birthday TODAY ... 10/7

My daughter, Debra, has a birthday today. She was my first child. With two such young, stupid, naive parents, it is a wonder she made it.

She was born at Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego, California ... years ago, I will leave it at that.

Her parents, a young Navy couple, living in an apartment in San Diego, fortunately, with good neighbors who helped us get started raising a baby. Debra became the child of an entire apartment building, everyone offered to help, they all helped us become parents ..... with a new daughter.

Shortly after that, I was transferred to ship, out of Seattle, and we made the trip in an old, Nash Ambassador, how I don't know. We found an apartment, moved in, and a day or so later, the ship sailed, and Mom and Baby were alone in Seattle, but, with great neighbors, who again helped us out.

Won't go in to details, out of Navy, lived in Reno, back to Ohio .... then a divorce ... a rather messy one .... my last visit with Deb, I was granted a weekend with her, but had to get a motel ... took her to the Montgomery County Fair, saw the Everly Brothers .... a lasting impression on me ..... Debra, walking all the way down to a better vantage point ..... arms folded, watching them sing. I have had that image in my head since that day.

Then, an absence of many years, at least 20, maybe more, and then, a phone call, a strip to New York, and we were reunited again .... so thankful for that day.

We arrived at her house in Beacon, New York, I still feel some of the anticipation, to see my daughter, who I have loved all these years, but not seen, or been with. I last saw here as "my little girl" ..... now grown up .... this scenario seems to vary, according to who you are talking with (Donna Viscardo knows the truth as does son Dean). she was in the shower when we arrived, had just come home from work ... she was an electrician ... nice house pool, I wondered what she would look like ... how crazy is that, not knowing how my own daughter looked ... then I saw her, and the years melted away .... she was my kid again ... but, she little to nothing about her father ..... I was basically a stranger to her .... odd, to say the least.

A day I will never forget, the day we left New York, for Ohio, after spending time with my kids, after all those absent years. They were now adults, had their own lives, yet, Debra was still my little girl ... I wanted to take her home with me ... but, she had her own life .... I cried for 500 miles, I had to give my kids up again ..... difficult to explain, and I hope no one has gone through that situation or ever will.

Then, the realization, those years cannot be made up .... they are gone ..... so .... be thankful, and live the future, which we have done.

Happy Birthday Daughter, I love you ....................

The Would

The Would Restaurant

120 North Road

Highland, NY 12528

A great video they just completed

WATCH IT HERE

TAP THE PHOTOGRAPH FOR THEIR WEBSITE

No problem, mate..........

Longevity, living to be 100. In my early days this seemed like an impossibility. When you are young, seems like an eternity between Christmas's, an end to a school day dragged on. I guess we got an inkling of things to come when it came to Summer. In comparison to the school year, Summers moved along pretty fast.

But wait till you make it to seventy or seventy-five, days only have twelve hours. Weekends roll around in no time at all, weeks fly by, before you know it, the month is over.

My 80th birthday seemed a long way off, a few months ago. It is the end of September. A few months back, arrangements were being made for all my East coast children to fly back for a four day celebration at the end of August. This was necessitated by school and business commitments, so we were celebrating a month early. When the reservations were made, it seemed like a long way off. In a week or so, it will be "next month."

It will be a very "special" occasion. Due to a divorce, and people moving, other circumstances, this will be the first time I have had all my "kids" together at one time, took almost 80 years to do it. So, I am finally going to have Debra, Dean, Melissa and Brad, and their families, children, grand children, great grandchild, and one on the way, all together, at one time.  How great is that?

If time keeps speeding by like it is now, longevity is looking good. The first 80 look pretty good, some of the rest may just zip by.

A Mothers Day Tale

Thomas Prusik-Parkin & Mhilton RimoloJust when you think you've heard it all, a man goes and dresses up like his dead mother -- for six years -- in order to continue cashing in on her Social Security benefits.

Thomas Prusik-Parkin was in court yesterday for allegedly collecting over $115,000 of his deceased mother Irene's government benefits after she died in 2003.

How did he do it? Well, first, he reportedly changed Irene's death certificate, adding a fake Social Security number and birthday, making it seem like she was still alive. Then he went to the DMV to renew her driver's license -- dressed like her.

And then when people started growing suspicious of him during a real estate battle, he threw on a coat of nail polish, a red cardigan, and some lipstick and met with the DA's office.

Needless to say, Prusik-Parkin's ruse wasn't as rock solid as he thought. He and an accomplice -- Mhilton Rimolo, his "nephew" -- were indicted in 2009 on 47 counts, including grand larceny, forgery, conspiracy, and criminal impersonation.

HEY, it's my kids!!!!!!!

Fred Kormann, Lisa Bozydaj, Debra Dooley and Claire Winslow 

Highland Local Notables: Clair Winslow and Debra Dooley, The Would
by Peter Aaron, February 28, 2012

It would come as no surprise if The Would restaurant in Highland was the visual inspiration for the 1996 film Big Night. It certainly looks the part. Housed in the lower level of a charming, three-story, ivy-covered brick building, the cozy establishment opened in 1926 as the Hotel di Prima, which fed and accommodated weekending Italian-American families from New York.

Its present heyday began in 1994, when the property was purchased by Claire Winslow and Debra Dooley, who rechristened the hotel portion The Inn at Applewood and renamed the restaurant The Would. Winslow, a Culinary Institute of America-trained chef, has a uniquely flavorful style that combines New American cuisine with French flair.

Known for palate-dazzling dishes prepared with local, organic produce, poultry, and other ingredients, and warm, welcoming service, The Would has truly become one of the Hudson Valley’s most beloved eateries. The restaurant has won gold and silver medals from the American Culinary Federation and rave reviews from Zagat and the New York Times.

And it’s not only the sumptuous signature entrees—pan-seared organic chicken filled with collard greens and tomato confit with a braised garlic sauce, just one mouth-watering example—that keep delighted diners coming back. A repeat winner of Wine Spectator magazine’s Award of Excellence, The Would maintains a seasonal cellar populated with approximately 300 bottles of local and international vintages. The on-premises bakery draws raves for its fresh-baked breads, pies, and cakes, and divinely decadent desserts.

“In the high-stress world of work, work, work, it is more important now than ever for our guests to truly enjoy an evening out,” explains Dooley. “I want them to leave satisfied.”

And, judging by the glowing praise from thousands of contented patrons over its nearly 20 years, they always do. Only to return again. Thewould.com

Ellen

For those who could not get to the network link, here is Ellen's page.
http://ellen.warnerbros.com/2012/02/ellen_addresses_her_jcpenney_critics_0208.php

My September Horoscope for 2012

Although many have secretly been dreading the arrival of 2012, you've personally been looking forward to it. That's because karmic taskmaster Saturn has been doing a number on your life over the past two-plus years. Relationship lessons have been relentless throughout this time. If you haven't made important decisions about where to commit - and where to quit - these are your final months to do so. Don't wait another 30 years to get clear on what you truly want in your relationships. You'll be in the throes of Saturn's testing until October, when it moves into your neighboring sign, Scorpio. Consider this your final exam!

Jupiter will be in its fellow Venus-ruled sign of Taurus, making a magical aspect to your stars for a good portion of 2012. Jupiter's lucky presence in your sector of sexuality, transformation and other people's money brings every material and emotional resource you could ever want or need. You'll have no problem attracting the proper support to fund your current or future projects. This is also the year for coming into your true power by transforming all the dead weight of your past. Change looks good on you, Libra. You've been shedding layers of karma, and now you're about to reap the wonders of renewal.

World travel beckons in 2012, so pack your bags! The spring-summer eclipse patterns activate your travel sector in May and June, and Venus is in your travel sector between April and August. During the retrograde phase in May and June, you may want to be lay low or avoid more intricate itineraries. Mars will be spending the entire first half of the year in your sector of sleep, unconscious processes and dreams. This could create some inner turbulence (if not all-out insomnia) if you don't give yourself enough expressive and physical outlets. As always, it's about finding balance, Libra.

My handshake ..... with greatness

A few years ago we were vacationing in Northern Michigan on Mullett Lake. We had all of our kids, and my daughter from New York, Debra, flew in for a few days. We had a great time, a vacation I will never forget, for a number of reasons.

When it came time for Debra to leave, I had to drive her to Lansing for her return flight home. It was a pleasant drive down, and I got to spend some "quality" time with my daughter.

The Lansing Airport, at that time, was not too big, and we had a wait for her plane to come in.

As it got closer to the arrival time of her plane, I noticed an increase in people waiting. I noticed one elderly man in the waiting crowd, looked familiar, but I could not place him, but it lingered in my mind.

Then, it dawned on me who he was, and I knew what was happening.

"That is Magic Johnson's father," I blurted out to my daughter. They it all dawned on me, Magic is from Lansing, the playoffs are over, the Lakers won, and Magic is coming home, and his father is here to meet him. I got excited, I'm going to get to see Magic Johnson. I had Debra rummaging around in her stuff to find me a piece of paper and a pen or pencil, he is going to walk right by here and I am going to get his autograph, actually the first autograph I had ever asked for.

The plane landed, passengers were getting off, I saw HIM get off and start walking for the door. Remember, years ago, small airport, they walked from the plane to the terminal.

There he came, I had paper and pen in hand, he came closer, he saw me, he knew what I was after.

"Sir, I'm really tired, could we just shake hands"? And we did.

When we got back to the lake, I told a few of the kids what had happened. I was popular, walked down to the basketball court, word got around, and many young boys, and a few girls, came over to shake the hand that had just shaken the hand of Magic Johnson.

What a GREAT place to Dine ..........

Wouldn't you love to have a holiday dinner in surroundings like this. This is The Would, in Highland, New York, and their cuisine is equally as wonderful as their decorations.
Claire, Debra and Lisa and the rest of the "crew" are highly skilled and trained to make your holiday dinning an experience to remember.

If you are in  the Hudson Valley, Poughkeepsie area, call The Would for reservations, then email me and thank me for introducing YOU to this dining experience.

THE WOULD

My Table under the window, next to my chair

It's morning, nice and quiet, "Easy Listening" music coming out of the TV, my U.S. Navy coffee cup nearby, working on my second cup, glancing occasionally at the table next to my chair. I have a lifetime of memories on the table, that my Dad make. He made it with a glass top, and a drawer under that, so you see everything in the drawer, that he made near the top.

All the "treasurers" should be in the drawer  they don't collect dust, but I have they on top where they are readily visible for me to glance at.

A small photograph of my Mom and Dad, it was one of Mom's favorites, next to that, a photo of my Brother, Dean Shannon Dooley. We were about twelve years apart, so we were never really close fiends, he was always many steps ahead of me. He has always been my "hero" though.

A number of birthday cards, an old tintype of Caleb Dooley, my Grandfather, some things from Brad and Bernie, some things from Melissa, my daughter, a small wood carving from the 40's, purchased in Canada on a trip there, some souvenirs of my Dad and Caleb medals and things.

Also a pair of dice from the Nevada Club, along with a $5 chip from there, could be one that I handled back in the 50's.

My bottle of Dr. Franks, I use it a few times a day, seems to work on my arthritis, and under that bottle my magnets. When I get an ache or a sore spot, I use a magnet, and it goes away in a short time. Hey, it works for me, and there are many people who I suggested those remedy's to, and they have often thanked me.

My Mom always referred to things like those as her "treasures" and  these certainly are to me.

In a brief glance I can go from the Civil war, to today, and all that happened in between.

Quiet time, so much "noise" in the world, nice to spend some "quiet" time, with t table full of memories.

Debra Dooley, Realtor

A few have asked questions on how to get in touch with Debra. This link is one means.

http://ddooley.westwoodrealty.com/contact/

If you need more information I can get her email, etc.for you.

Thanks, on her behalf, for the inquiry.

I think she still has her own website up and running.

I remember ...............

Fall is in the air, September 3, 2010.

I looked outside a while ago, went out onto the porch, a chill in the air. I noticed a few new colors in the Maple tree next door. It is odd, but I think I change with the seasons. I think maybe the realization that Fall is here brings back a whole new flood of memories, takes you back to a different time and place, and you feel all of those emotions.

In the Fall, Mom brought out the Hudson Bay blankets that had been stored in her Cedar Chest with some moth balls since the last Spring. I remember those first Fall nights, climbing under the cool sheets, and having that faint aroma fill my  nostrils. That was many years ago, but that memory is still vivid today. Those are memories of 319 South Brown Street, in Dayton, Ohio. a beautiful old house that no longer stands. A victim of a freeway. That is the house that I spent my first eleven years in, so many good memories there. It seems like I spent a lifetime there, but when I count it out, 1932 to 1943, a short time in my life. And then from 1943 to 1950, we lived in Oakwood. It seems like that was my whole life, but it was only the first 18 years. So many memories of those 18 years, but it seems like those were the biggest part of my life. Never thought of it that way.

I think that is one of the reasons I like living in Ohio. Changing seasons. As of this morning, I am in a Fall mode. I can smell the freshly cut grass, cut by Mr. Watts, on his riding mower, at Oakwood High School in Dayton, Ohio. Cut grass in the Fall smells different than cut grass in the Summer.

Tonight, when I go to bed, and pull those covers over me, I will smell a faint aroma of moth balls, and feel a Mother's loving hands pulling up those blankets and "tucking" me in, and that was over seventy years ago. Aren't memories, great?

For those who asked ......

My daughter Debra is in Real Estate in New Paltz, New York.

One of her links is Debra Dooley

The Pilgrim Monument on Cape Cod

We visited here on our trip to Cape Cod, thanks to Debra and Lisa and Brad and his new bride, Bernie.  My middle name is Bradford, and I am a descendant of William Bradford who came over on the Mayflower. I reluctantly mentioned this to them because I didn't want to create an uproar, but I finally mentioned it to one of the workers. I offered to sign autographs for the visitors, for a nominal fee, or perhaps do "stop and shoots," he didn't seem impressed. He did take notice when I mentioned that if we checked back, I might even own the land the monument stood on. He looked me straight in the eye and said, "I am a Bourne." I asked about his "Identity." Then we sat and watched as others climbed to the top.

The Pilgrim Monument was founded in 1892 as the Cape Cod Pilgrim Memorial Association—Cape Cod’s oldest not-for-profit organization. Its purpose is to commemorate the Mayflower Pilgrims’ first landing in the New World in Provincetown, in November 1620. Here the Pilgrims spent 5 weeks exploring the tip of Cape Cod, before they sailed on to Plymouth. They also drew up and signed the Mayflower Compact, which established the rule of law for the new land.

The Cape Cod Pilgrim Memorial Association built the Pilgrim Monument to honor the Pilgrims’ first landing in Provincetown. President Theodore Roosevelt laid the cornerstone in 1907. In 1910, President William Howard Taft dedicated the finished 252-foot tower. In 1910, the Cape’s first building built to house a museum opened at the base of the monument, to educate the public about Provincetown’s role in Pilgrim history and American history.

Today, Millions of visitors and generations of local residents have admired and climbed the 252 foot granite Pilgrim Monument for almost 100 years.

Some interesting facts:

•The Pilgrim Monument was built between 1907 and 1910 to commemorate the first landing of the Mayflower Pilgrims in Provincetown on November 21, 1620.

•The tower is 252 feet, 7.5 inches (77 meters) tall and rises 350 feet above sea level!

•The heart-healthy walk to the top on 116 steps and 60 ramps only takes about 10 minutes at a leisurely pace.

•The Pilgrim Monument is the tallest all-granite structure in the United States. The granite came from Stonington, Maine, and each stone is the thickness of the wall. The design is patterned after the Torre Del Mangia in Siena, Italy.

•During your climb, you'll see many interior stones that were donated by cities, towns and organizations from all of the United States. See if your city or town is here.

•President Theodore Roosevelt laid the cornerstone on August 20, 1907.

•President William H. Taft led the dedication ceremony after the Pilgrim Monument's completion on August 5, 1910.

•The Pilgrim Monument and Provincetown Museum is Cape Cod's oldest non-profit and cultural institution.

The Would, Highland, New York

Debra Dooley


"In the high-stress world of work, work, work, it is more important now than ever for our guests to truly enjoy an evening out. I want them to leave satisfied."

Who better to run an incredibly seasoned restaurant than by someone who is incredibly seasoned in all shapes of life?

Debra Dooley was born and raised in California. She moved to this area to complete college and set her career in a new, unfamliar area. Within a short period of time, Debra became the first woman ever accepted into the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 631 of Newburgh, New York, in 1979. Desiring to learn more with a hands on approach, she became involved in Construction and Property Management, which soon led her to the grounds of The Would Restaraunt. After taking over the restaurant with Claire Winslow, Debra quickly transformed The Would into a world of its own. With local artists' works on the walls and a warm glow in the dining room, Debra has created what many call the epitome of "casual elegance."

Debra has had an assertive handle on every aspect of the restaurant. Her relationship with her staff has created a family-type setting, where each member feels more at home at the end of the night than anything else. When she hostesses she greets guests with a smile and takes time to sit and chat with them while they eat. Her dedication to each facet of the restaurant even goes into The Would's Wine Cellar, which, with over 150 wines, has won the Wine Spectator Magazine's Award of Excellence every year, since 1994. And her own words: "I've developed a passion for the business...I want to learn all that I can," shows that Debra will continue to commit her efforts to The Would, so that it can bring her guests an amazing dining experience

Looking for a vacation home?

I was talking with my daughter, Debra Dooley, about vacation homes, and she gave me some interesting information I thought I would pass along.

A great way to have complete rest and relaxation is to own a second or vacation home in one of your most visited holiday destinations. This is very ideal, as you do not have to worry about booking hotel because you have your own home to spend your entire vacation in. You also get to explore the natural beauty of your desired destination anytime you want. A vacation home is really beneficial especially if you have chosen a home which is not only situated in an awesome location but also a low cost property. Buying a fantastic vacation home is not at all elusive if you know the basic guidelines.


There are specific qualities that every buyer is considering before deciding to buy a vacation home. These qualities that you look for in a home may make the entire process of property hunting a bit difficult if you do not know how to start with it. You may even be disappointed especially if there is one quality that is lacking. This is why flexibility is really important as this can narrow down your search. You can give up one quality if it is not that necessary. Find a home that suits your budget and made of high quality materials so you don't have to make any big changes to it.

Great property deals are also a practical way of looking for a vacation home. However, do not just base the property on price. Be keen enough to inspect the entire house and make sure that you do not have to resort to any major home improvement projects just to increase the market value of the house. It should have a rental potential as you will not be using it all the time.

Debra Dooley

Debra specializes in helping people with their Real Estate needs.

As a real estate professional and member of the National Association of Realtors, her focus has always been on building strong relationships with her clients and growing a client data base with continuous referral and repeat business. Her goal is to provide her clients with exceptional service  that exceed their expectations.

Finding and purchasing a home that will fit your needs is a significant and often stressful time. Debra Dooley will help to make your transition as smooth as possible. She is an expert in the area, and once she learns what it is that you are looking for, finding your dream home can become a reality.


Before you start looking for a home you should ask yourself a few questions. Where do you want to live? Are there particular neighborhoods or communities that you like? What kind of house would you like? Are you looking for a particiular style? How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you want? Do you want a yard, pool, views, privacy? Searching for your home can be a time consuming experience. Debra will make the process much more efficient.


DEBRA DOOLEY

134 Main Street, New Paltz, New York
Phone: 845-475-4248
Fax: 845-501-3005
Email: debra@westwoodrealty.com

BLOG

The Wedding - Brad and Bernie

I have had good days in my life, some good times, some events  that stand out, but last weekend, the wedding of Brad Dooley and Bernie Colon, is very high in the top ten list. I cannot imagine a wedding, or any event for that matter, that was so perfect.

Sure, I was partial, my young son, getting married, but I just cannot imagine anything going off so perfectly.

The weather was great, not too hot, and a nice breeze.

The Place, The Would, in Highland, New York.

The Setting, an outside, covered area, was originally a boccie ball court, flooring put down, decorated impeccably.

The Minister, Arlene, a Methodist, with a sense of humor, who had the infinite ability to make us smile, at the right time, and be serious, when it was called for. She involved the families and the audience in the wedding, not just the bride and groom. And then, at just the right appropriate moment, pulled out her guitar and sang. She was not restricted by accepted norms, and her interpretation was extraordinary. I wish I lived in New York, I would attend her church.

The Best Man, long story. My son, Brad, did not grow up with Debra as a sister. He met her later on in life, briefly, but apparently, the blood line merged them together. Brad decided many years ago to leave his home in Ohio and move to New York, and spend time with his new found sister. Brad selected her, to give him away. Dad swelled with pride at the decision. Actually, Dad cried when he heard of the decision.

The Bride, looked lovely and they maintained some old traditions, which were nice. Bernie looked lovely. It was apparent that Bernie and Brad were in love, and that the union of the two came about after some thorough soul searching and thought. Bernie was carrying a heavy family load, Brad was aware of it, and chose to accept the responsibility. I am so proud of my Son, he has truly become, a Man.

The entire day was perfect. The Dooley family also fell in love with the Colon family and her relatives, and I think they felt the same way.

It was a perfect wedding, in all respects, from start to finish.

A Toast, please, to the couple, for a long life, good health and  prosperity.

Our world of "loved ones"' has been greatly expanded.

Lena Horne

Lena Horne passed away yesterday, no big "break in the news" way of letting us know. If it had not been for Monica Day on my Facebook, I would not have known.

Some lesser known "celebs" have gotten more press than she has. She made this comment one time, never forgot it, I thought it was sad and true.

She said, “I was unique in that I was a kind of black that white people could accept,” she once said. “I was their daydream. I had the worst kind of acceptance because it was never for how great I was or what I contributed. It was because of the way I looked.”

A sad legacy.

May 7

Teach your child to hold his tongue, he'll learn fast enough to speak.