On My Birthday.

It sure seems like just yesterday I was running across the pine-painted battleship gray wooden boards on the front porch of my childhood home. I would leap in the air just before the steps and land on the ground rolling into an Olympic-worthy gold medal pose. That is where I would greet my childhood friend, Tommy Canfield. Tommy had his signature white Skipper cap from Gilligan's Island and I would have on a very worn New York Yankees baseball cap.

From Minot Place, we would jump on our Stingray bicycles without cell phones, water bottles, or sunscreen and begin our unknown adventure. We would ride throughout the day exploring our world talking about what Jim West from the #WildWildWest would do, how high could #Superman fly, and where we thought the Batcave really was.

The world lost my friend Tommy this year but his playful spirit is still with me every day.

Today my contemporaries would think it’s childish for me to wonder where the Batcave really is, but, I still do... and so does Tommy.

This Life Raised Me.

To an 8-year-old boy, there was nothing like it on earth. I thought of myself as an inventor, scientist, architect, carpenter, artist it went on and on. #TrinkausManor sat on the outskirts of where I lived in a magical faraway place, on Route 69 in #Oriskany #NewYork My parents, brothers, and sister would make the trip together every December. Joining hundreds of families who had the same tradition.

The excitement I felt was as big as #Christmas or even my birthday. The Trinkaus brothers put on a magnificent light show that would rival the best Las Vegas light shows even by today’s standards.

The very first thing you would see in lights when coming up the long winding driveway was #MerryChristmas Soon we would make our way to Santa Claus Village with Santa and Mrs. Claus, twirling around a carousel of reindeer, and a variety of lighted displays of little houses featuring Sleeping Beauty and her Prince Charming, Goldilocks and the Three Bears. The displays were animated all this before #Pixar Christmas music played from the sky as if there was an orchestra playing from heaven.

At the restaurant, just across the way adults were eating and dancing to music dressed in suits and dresses. It was a glorious celebration.

For me, it would be the last year I remember Christmas as a child. So this year like many others Christmas is about memories, not gifts. About holding on to those loving times, not the ones that hurt us. Where we felt safe and loved, if only for our walk through #TrinkausManor So I think making new memories is just as magical. The best thing we can do for each other is to say, I love you before we can’t.

Much #Love

Frankie.

#childhood #memories #Christmas #Love #holidays #xmas #xmasdecor #OriskanNewYork #UticaNewYork #xmasgifts #newbeginnings #FrankGCaruso

The Culinary Vessel

Our relationship with food has shaped all of us as human beings. It connects us in unique ways to our family, friends, neighbors, and the people we love especially. My daughter has taken the culinary vessel to new delights. The only reason to stop reading this and looking at these photos is to go cook and then eat.

To my beautiful #daughters may they always find happiness in life wherever they are. #FrankGCaruso #foodlove #foodyourway

I Heard From The Heavens

When I was a kid and we had air-raid drills, we all believed we could die at that moment. When sirens went off, we did not die. But boy did I want to go home and tell my mom I loved her. We lived a better life because of those air-raid drills. We learned early on that each of our lives are on a journey, some long, some short. The cold, hard facts are most of us will die from heart disease, cancer, or respiratory disease. So for today and hopefully tomorrow and beyond, be kind to each other. Smile at the young and old, pause every day, and look for the weak and wounded. They need us more than ever.

By #FrankGCaruso

Night Rainbow

A rainbow cuts across the night sky

Its colors bold, its hues so bright

A wondrous, breathtaking sight

Orange, yellow, green and blue

Indigo and violet too

A magical, harmonious view

The rain has gone, the moon appears

And with it comes the rainbow near

A symbol of hope and of cheers

A sign that joy is ever near

Oh, rainbow, how you amaze

A wonder seen for miles and days

You fill our hearts with joy and grace

And leave us with a smiling face.

By #FrankGCaruso

Walking With Pines.

Amidst the chill of winter's air,

Pine trees stand so strong and fair.

Their branches, adorned with icy white,

Reflect the sun's soft, fading light.

Their needles rustle in the breeze,

A symphony of whispers, if you please.

As snowflakes dance from branch to ground,

A winter wonderland is found.

A promise of new growth to meet.

Though winter's grip is hard and cold,

The pine tree's spirit is brave and bold.

So let us take a moment to see,

The beauty of the pine tree's majesty.

In winter's harsh and bitter cold,

The pine tree stands, steadfast and bold.

By #FrankGCaruso

Memories In The Kitchen

Baking with my little girl,

Brings such joy into my world.

Mixing and stirring with glee,

As we make a banana cake, just Grace and me.

Bananas ripe and oh so sweet,

Mashed and mixed until they meet

The flour, sugar, and butter,

Our cake batter, rich and utter.

Crème fraîche added to the mix,

Makes the cake so smooth and rich.

As we bake it in the oven,

The sweet aroma fills our kitchen.

With smiles on our faces,

We wait for the cake to cool in its places.

Our creation, a delicious affair.

Baking with my daughter,

Brings memories that will never falter.

A bond that we will forever share,

As we make delicious cakes with love and care.

By #FrankGCaruso

Morning Light.

May your morning be filled with light,

And your heart be full and bright.

May your path be free of strife,

And your day be full of life.

May the sun shine on your face,

And your steps be full of grace.

May your worries all fade away,

And your spirit be light and gay.

So here's my wish for you today,

May joy and peace light up your way.

May love and happiness come your way,

And blessings follow you all day.

#EdgertonWisconsin  #FrankGCaruso

Murmuration Of Starlings

For the children, I have this one life and it is very short so I have one chance. My childhood demands that I do something to make the world better. We can change what things are at this moment. You just have to try that is all I ask. We need to stop hurting each other, there has been enough of that. When I see the murmuration of starlings flying in unison it is emblematic of unity we become stronger together. If sterlings can do it, so can we start healing with love…

For the children.

#FrankGCaruso #Try #Kindness #Love #Sterlings #strongertogether

I Have No Grandparents

Once upon a time, there was a little girl and a little boy named Elizabeth and Jake. Elizabeth and Jake loved hearing stories from their friends about their grandparents, how they would bake cookies together, or how grandpa would take them fishing on the weekends. But Elizabeth and Jake didn't have any grandparents of their own. Both Elizabeth and Jake’s parents were abandoned by their parents so grandparents were never a part of the family dynamic.

At first, Elizabeth and Jake felt sad that they didn't have any grandparents to share their life with. They felt like they were missing out on something special. But as time went on, they started to realize that not having grandparents wasn't so bad after all.

They found other ways to connect with people who cared about them just as deeply as a grandparent would. Both of them joined clubs at school, where they formed close relationships with older women and men who became like a second family to them. They also volunteered at a local nursing home, where they listened to the stories of elderly residents who didn't have anyone else to talk to.

Through these experiences, Elisabeth and Jake learned that family comes in many forms, and that love and connection can be found in unexpected places. They also learned that it's ok to be different and that every family has its own unique story.

Elizabeth and Jake eventually realized that not having grandparents didn't define who they were or what they could accomplish. They went on to pursue their passions, make new friends, and create their own traditions with their families.

In the end, Elizabeth and Jake learned that while it's wonderful to have grandparents, it's not a requirement for a happy and fulfilling life. They learned to appreciate the people in their life who loved and supported them, no matter what their relationship was with them. And they learned that family is not just about blood, but about the bonds we create with those we love.

#FrankGCaruso #STORY on the road somewhere in #America #grandparents

Rain Falling From The Moon and Sun

Raindrops falling from the sky,

From the moon and sun up high,

Glistening pearls of liquid light,

Falling softly in the night of the light of the moon,

The moon sheds tears of silver dew,

As drops of rain come trickling through,

Its beams of light, so cool and clear,

Make the raindrops sparkle near.

And from the sun, a treasured shower,

Falls upon each leaf and flower,

As drops of light come streaming down,

In shades of yellow, red, and blue.

The rain falls softly on the ground,

With a gentle, soothing, calming sound,

As nature's tears come washing clean,

The earth's weary, tired scene.

So let the rain come falling down,

From the moon and sun, all around,

And let its beauty wash away,

All of our troubles for today.

#FrankGCaruso #Rain #Sun #washawayyourtroubles

A Climb Of The Heart.

My six-year-old self runs up the stairs

With boundless energy and no cares

Each step a mystery, each climb a game

An adventure bound up with joyful laughter

With cautious airs skipping a step here and there

My sixty-year-old self walks up the stairs

With careful steps and cautious airs

Each climb is a reminder of life's wear

I take my time with much more thought

My six-year-old's feet patter and pound

As they dance up each step with a playful sound

My little heart filled with glee

As I ascend toward infinity

My sixty-year-old steps are slow and steady

Each movement is measured and calm, yet ready

My heart beats on, though time has passed

With each step, a memory is cast

My six-year-old and sixty-year-old may seem worlds apart

Yet both share a journey, a climb of the heart

One with boundless energy, the other with care

Both rising up, one stair at a time, to a place up there

Happened today at the Fitchburg Public Library

by #FrankGCaruso

Pucks & Ponytails.

“Pucks & Ponytails”

Chasing the puck net to net,

Their sticks slice the frozen floor,

With determination and grace,

They bring pride to their team's faces.

They are more than just girls on ice,

They are warriors with heart and soul,

They play with passion and grit,

And leave it all on the rink bit by bit.

So here's to these two hockey stars,

With their ponytails and their scars,

May they always skate with pride,

And never let anyone dim their light inside.

Photo and story by #FrankGCaruso

The Barn I See.

Once upon a time, there was a humble barn standing just back from the main street. It was made of sturdy wood and had a high roof that protected what it kept inside from the rain, sun, and snow.

For many years, this barn like many others served as the heart of the farm. The animals would come and go, finding warmth and shelter within its walls. The farmers would store their tools and equipment inside, using it as a place to work and prepare for the upcoming harvest.

But as time went on, the world around the barn began to change. The farm grew old as homes and schools were built around it, and new technologies emerged that made it easier to grow crops and raise livestock. The barn, which had once been an essential part of the farm's daily life, began to lose its importance.

As the years went by, many barns stood empty and forgotten. The roofs began to leak, and the wood began to rot. Some may see It as a sad sight, a once-proud structure reduced to nothing more than a dilapidated shell.

But not me, I see its potential, I see past what it is, to what it was, and what it could be. Just like a life that may have been neglected. This barn like many others was a symbol of hope, a reminder that even the most neglected and forgotten things can be reborn and given new life. A true testament to the power of perseverance and the resilience of the human spirit.

#Story and photo from 11 years ago by #FrankGCaruso

Duct Tape.

Some time ago I was in the middle of a hiking trip with my very best friend, in the wilderness. I had planned and prepared for weeks, but as fate would have it, I encountered an unexpected challenge. My backpack had started to tear apart, and I realized that I was in dire need of a quick fix to keep my essentials like gummy bears and Skittles safe and secure.

As I rummaged through my backpack to find a solution, I remembered that I had packed a roll of duct tape. You may be skeptical right now wondering how this sturdy, gray adhesive tape made of rubber, stainless steel, polyurethane, silicone, neoprene-dipped polyester fabric could fix my problem.

I started to rip off strips of the tape and apply it to the torn areas of my backpack, strip by strip it was coming together as the tape worked its magic. The tear was completely sealed, and my backpack was as good as new possibly even better. I realized why I love duct tape so much. It was versatile, reliable, and always there when I needed it the most. I have made a duct tape wallet, drinking cup, and even used the cup to play liars dice. In a pinch I once made a tie with a Windsor knot and then used it as a rope “cordage” to secure a clothesline when I was camping along the shores of The River Wharfe.

In closing, It had saved the day on my hiking trip, and I knew that it would continue to be a reliable friend in all of my adventures.

From that day forward, whenever I embarked on a new journey, I always made sure to pack a roll of duct tape. And every time I use it, I’m reminded of that moment on the hiking trail, where I realized just how much I needed and appreciated this unassuming adhesive tape.

So, to me, duct tape is not just some sticky tape, it's a symbol of strength and resilience in a universe that constantly needs to be repaired. Most importantly, it’s secured my gummy bears and Skittles.

Photo and story by my best friend. #FrankGCaruso #camping #gummybears #skittles #ducttape #RiverWharfe #hiking #adventures

My Daughter In The Kitchen.

There is nothing quite like the feeling of watching your child grow up and start to take on new responsibilities and skills. As a parent, it's easy to feel proud and excited when you see your child accomplishing something new, especially when it's something that you enjoy yourself.

One day, you come home from work to find your daughter in the kitchen, carefully measuring out ingredients and stirring a pot on the stove. As you approach, you realize that she's making ramen from scratch - something that you both love to eat together.

You watch with admiration as she works, impressed by how focused and meticulous she is with each step. She adds a pinch of this, a dash of that, and as the savory aroma of the broth begins to fill the air, you feel your mouth start to water.

As the ramen starts to come together, your daughter looks up at you with a smile on her face, proud of what she's accomplished. And as you sit down together to enjoy the delicious meal, you can't help but feel a warm sense of satisfaction and contentment.

It's moments like these that remind you of how lucky you are to have such a wonderful daughter, and how grateful you are for the love and joy she brings into your life. As you slurp up the last of the noodles and sip the last of the broth, you know that this memory will stay with you forever, a reminder of the simple pleasures and deep connections that make life so special.

#Memories #Daughter #Foodlove #Ramen #Kitchentable from #Hearttotable

#Cooking by #FrankGCaruso

In the year 2091.

In the year 2091, a group of archaeologists made a stunning discovery nearly 50 years ago today, just outside Dearborn, Michigan - the birthplace of the modern automobile. These photos are taken just after they were excavated. The two automobiles had been buried beneath the earth for decades, they believe they are the last remaining gas-powered vehicles that survived.

The team of scientists had been excavating the area as part of a project to uncover the history of the automotive industry. They were shocked when they uncovered a group of cars buried deep underground.

As they began to dig, they found that the vehicles were in very poor condition, with their engines and body in such disarray. At the time of the dig, they could not determine what the make and model of the automobiles were. After examining the vehicles more closely, they discovered that they were some of the last gasoline-powered vehicles that were driven possibly up into the year 2023. An independent archaeologist believes the cars were from the late 1960s.

As news of the discovery spread, people from around the world began to flock to Dearborn to see the last gas automobiles. The cars became a symbol of a bygone era, a time when the world was different, and the pace of life was slower.

Even though the cars are no longer drivable, they were reassembled and taken to the Smithsonian Museum in Washington DC. The curator felt that they shouldn’t be reconditioned and kept the way they were found.

The museum has been visited by millions of people each year, who marveled at the ingenuity of the machines that had once been so prevalent on the world's roads.

Over time, the discovery of the last gas automobiles near Dearborn came to symbolize the end of an era. The world had moved on to cleaner, more efficient forms of transportation, but the discovery of these cars served as a reminder of the ingenuity and creativity of the automotive industry, and the role it played in shaping the modern world.

On the road somewhere in #America a #story by #FrankGCaruso #automobiles #gaspoweredengines #DearbornMichigan #archaeologists #fordfalcon #vwbus

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