I just got home from a five-day vacation in Florida with my two best friends that I hung out with as a kid in Queens. Katie and I have been friends for 50 years. Paula and I lived on the same block, and I was her babysitter, so we have been friends about 40 years. Back in the day, we were known as the Three Musketeers. This vacation was more like the Three Stooges. We rented a pontoon boat and went out in the gulf to watch dolphins. I was driving and we were in very shallow water so I asked Paula to take over. I went and sat in the front of the boat. Paula backs into a sand bar and I go flying off the seat and did a flip and landed up against the driver’s seat flat out. They were screaming, “Eileen, are you OK?” I was trying to take inventory in my mind, making sure I did not break anything, and not answering them. They were so scared and upset but laughing so hard that they could not talk. When I did open my eyes, thanking God nothing was broken, I just handed Katie my camera and said, “Just take a picture.” I love the two of them to death, but they could not look at each other without cracking up the rest of the week.

With the fall season approaching, here’s a reminder on some upcoming events:

On October 4, the Lake Huntington Presbyterian Church is having a penny social, County Route 116. Doors open at 11:30 a.m.; calling starts at 12:30 p.m. for a donation of $1. For information, call 570/729-8247 or 845/932-8923.

On October 4 from 5 to 8 p.m., Lake Huntington Fire Company will host a spaghetti dinner benefit for Addison Umbaugh. Admission is $10 for adults; children 12 and under, $7. For information, 845/701-1894.

On Sunday, October 12 after the 12 noon mass at Holy Cross church in Callicoon, Route 97, the Knights of Columbus will hold an Italian feast. Admission is $10 for adults; $5 for children seven to 12; free for children under six. For information, contact Grand Knight Teddy Laffin at 845/252-3630. Takeouts are available.

Fr. Bill of Our Lady of the Lake and St. Frances Xavier churches had a stroke and is on the mend. Currently he is down in New Jersey at the Ringwood Friary getting stronger with therapy. I spoke to him Sunday night, and he is doing well. He would like to thank everyone for their prayers and well wishes. Keep them coming. If you would like to send him a card, his address is Fr. William, Holy Name Friary, 2 Morris Rd., Ringwood, NJ 07456-1700.

I would like to wish Bob and Kathy Meyer a belated happy 45th wedding anniversary. Kathy, you are one lucky lady. Love you both.

Have a great week and e-mail leeniebeans@citlink.net or call 845/252-3568, if you have news.