All posts by Steve

Protected: Harry Francis Caruso

The Christ Church Food Pantry

October 30, 2013ChurchSteve

So, since my businesses (yes running two at the moment) tend to eat up my weekends, I’m not often seen in the pews at my church on Sundays. However, every single Wednesday, unless I am sick or otherwise physically prevented, I’m over at the Middlesex County Food Organization and Outreach Distribution Services (M.C.F.O.O.D.S.) warehouse, picking up food for the Christ Church Food Pantry. (When I can’t go to Church, I do my best to still be the Church, as it were.)

However, today I noticed that the Christ Church Food Pantry shelves are looking especially bare and sad. If you, dear reader, can muster any support, I would be much appreciative. Simply visit ChristChurchFoodPantry.com and click on Donate.

Peace,
-Steve

Advice From Bill Watterson

August 28, 2013FamilySteve

Chicken of the Woods (L. Cincinnatus)

August 13, 2013Laetiporus cincinnatus, MushroomsSteve

: Florette 1

: Florette 2

: Both 1 and 2 together. The one growing up in poison ivy excluded.

Family Stories

July 23, 2013Family, Family HistorySteve

Grandpa (Frank P. DeMatteis) in his army uniform.

I was going through some old family photos with my Grandmother today, and she shared a number of family stories with me. Here they are in MP3 format:

Grandpa and the Pastries (Carentan France)

[audio http://steve.rogueleaf.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/130724-130724-Grandpa-And-The-Pastries.mp3]

“Frankie” DeMatteis

[audio http://steve.rogueleaf.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/130724-130724-Frankie-DeMatteis.mp3]

Grandma’s First Experience With Uncle Andrew DeMatteis

[audio http://steve.rogueleaf.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/130724-130724-Uncle-Andrew-DeMatteis.mp3]

How Great-Grandpa DeMatteis Lost His Leg

[audio http://steve.rogueleaf.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/130724-130724-Great-Grandpa-DeMatteis-Leg.mp3]

Uncle Elmer Martin The Ferryboat Captain

[audio http://steve.rogueleaf.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/130724-130724-Uncle-Elmer-Martin-Ferry-Captain.mp3]

“Lord, If You Come Through the Roof, I’ll Pay For the Shingles”

[audio http://steve.rogueleaf.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/130724-130724-Lord-If-You-Come-Through-The-Roof.mp3]

Two stories not represented here as I couldn’t find them in the recording (I need to comb through it more carefully) include one about General Eisenhower visiting Grandpa’s hospital and how he motivated everyone there not to waste food, and one about how Grandpa and his best war buddy Paul Reed got their spending money via a combination of pressing clothes and gambling. I’ll post them when I find them.

#4 Coprinoid?

June 15, 2013Coprinus, Mushrooms, Unidentified MushroomsSteve

Absolutely gorgeous mushroom. Can’t identify it. I think it may be a Coprinoid, but that’s about it.

#3 Amanita sp.

June 15, 2013Amanita, Amanita ceciliae, Amanita pantherina, MushroomsSteve

More of what I have come to know as “Panther Caps” with warts washed off due to the rain.

#2 Blue Russulas

June 15, 2013Mushrooms, RussulaSteve

#1 Mirasmius oreades

Elgin 451 (#20325387)

April 30, 2013Elgin, Horology, Personal Collection, Pocket WatchesSteve

: Front dial.

: Back, showing off the gold parts.

Another eBay purchase for a mere $30. This is a ‘Lord Elgin’ branded pocket watch (Elgin’s higher-end gentlemans’ watch brand) built around 1918. 19 jewels, eight adjustments, gold train and gold jewel settings (and the jewels are deep red rubies). It’s really, really thin.

Again, this was a watch sold “for parts or repair” that was in perfect running shape, except for a tiny bit of patina on the damaskeening. It probably was another instance of a family watch’s case being scrapped for its gold value. I really need to get it a new one.