Ashland Speaks by Lula Anderson - 01 May 2026

Two weeks without writing is a new low for me, but as we get older it takes so much longer to do simple things.  WAJPL went on their first trip of the season to Norfolk last week.  Packing for 4 days/3 nights in the spring takes a lot of time.  What to bring.  It was so cold up  here, we were thinking cold, but a look at the weather down south meant take out warm weather clothes.  Find them, make sure they were clean and ready to go.  Make a list of what we needed to take.  When we left on April 16th, 5:30 am, it was a balmy 60 degrees out.  The bus is air conditioned, so a blanket or sweater is needed for the ride, but no one had winter clothes.  Halfway down, the air conditioner broke down and the temps outside were in the high 80's.  Much water was passed out for the trip, plus rest stops.  The hotel room was superb.  Ocean view rooms with an eastern exposure so we could see the sun rise from our balcony.  The Tattoo was spectacular and the NATO Parade of Nations the next day was wonderful.  The trip coming home was more comfortable as the temps started dropping.  Then the pictures from those at home started coming in.  3 inches of snow in some places.  We just about froze clearing our windshields when we got to Windham.  Remember—no heavy coats or gloves.  A wonderful trip all in all. 

On July 21rst, WAJPL is going to Glimmerglass Festival to see "OKLAHOMA" --prime orchestra seats, lunch on your own for $105.  For information, and reservations call Mary Louise 518-622-3397 or Vicky 518-734-4164.

On July 27 and 28 there will be an overnight trip to Salem, MA $469/ person  double occupancy.  Includes 1 night lodging at the Hampton Inn, 1 breakfast, 1 buffet dinner at Finz Seafood Restaurant, Salem Witch museum, trolley tour, Salem sound, and more.   

The Mountain Top Golden Agers have cancelled their May 13th trip to Monticello but will go on Oct 14th to see a Tribute to Diana Ross.  June 12 - June 15th there is a trip to Washington DC, $345 double occupancy.  Full payment required at reservation.  There will be a REQUIRED meeting prior to the trip with all information.  Call Phyllis 607-538-1242,  July 15 is AARP Defensive Driving Class at Haines Falls Firehouse lunch included.. $40 AARP member, $45 non AARP fee.  8:30-3:30  reservation required  Aug 5th is a trip to Log Cabin in Holyoke, MA to see a Tribute to Kenny Rogers and Aug. 20th "Carole King:The Musical" at Mac-Hayden theater  For all trips and reservations call Patty  518-821-8670

The annual Mother Daughter dinner for Ashland Community Church will be held on May 11th at 6 pm.  Covered dish.

Prayers for the families of Alan Holcomb and Ronnie Cline.  Get well wishes for Schuyler Minew, Bob Bernach, Christine and Nellis Newcomb and Randy Brainard.

Don't forget the NYS Burn Ban through May 15th.  NO OUTDOOR BURNING, even contained.  With the dry leaves, grass and high winds, we don't need to send our firefighters in harm's way to protect the Mountain Top.  Just one spark can easily ignite an entire forest.,

AS I REMEMBER IT

It's the end of April, the beginning of the warm weather and seasons of change.  I look at the hills and see new green appearing every day.  The wild roses are starting and the lawns are loaded with dandelions.  I think about how we used to run through our morning chores on Saturday so we could spend the day outside.  We couldn't wait until the ice was off the creek so we could start exploring again.  Creeks were too cold to swim in, but there was so much to look at.  See what changes the winter brought.  Fishing poles were brought out, worms dug or sometimes just white bread rolled into a ball around the hook was bait.  I don't remember catching anything, but it was just the joy of fishing and walking the crick that we looked forward to.  Bikes were taken out of winter storage, chains tightened and greased, tires pumped up, seats adjusted, so we could take off on a wild ride up and down the hills.  I don't remember being inside on a Saturday afternoon.  There was always so  much to do and see.  We told mom where we were going and we knew we had to be back at 4:30 for evening chores, and away we went.  No cell phones and no texting meant we had to go knock on our friend's door to get together.  All moms had fresh cookies for us so we wouldn't starve on our adventures.  I feel sorry for the kids nowadays that will never know the joys of freedom that we had.