Jon Crispin's Notebook

I drove to Ithaca on Friday in order to attend the annual Willard Psychiatric Center employee reunion.  Saturday morning, Peter Carroll and I started our day in the usual way; breakfast at the Lincoln St. Diner and then a photo of him jumping.  It is the best diner breakfast anywhere.

I seem to remember a time when the Happy Landing was open, although I never did eat there.  It is on Route 96 between Trumansburg and Willard, and I have driven past it hundreds of times.  Love the sign.

I have been to the employee reunion before, and it is an amazing event.  Peter came along this time so that Peggy Ellsworth could introduce him to some of the retired staff.  It looks like he and Deb Hoard will be making a documentary on the suitcases project that will include some interviews with former employees.  It is something Peter and Deb have been talking to me about for a while, and is very exciting.  It’s still early days, and funding is a big hurdle, but I really think it will happen.

After the event, we drove over to Ovid to look at the “three bears” buildings in the center of town.  I noticed that the public library was still open, so I went in to say hi.  Librarian Katie Fontana was just closing up but was happy to show me the room where I will be speaking on Thursday the 24th of this month.  I would encourage any of you who are nearby to come.  There also will be some sort of brown bag lunch the next day.  Here’s is a link to the library web site.  Hope to see you there.  And this is the BEST sign ever.

On our way back to Ithaca, we had time for a quick stop at the Rongovian Embassy in Trumansburg for a beer with Craig Williams and Helen McLallen.  Quite a place with lots of history.

On my way out on Friday, I had noticed more goldenrod than I’ve seen in ages.  This shot was taken about 3 miles East of Bainbridge, just before I got back on Route 88 for the drive home. The hillsides are covered with it.

If any of you can make it to Ovid for the talk, shoot me an email.  Maybe a bunch of us can meet at the Rongo for a beer afterwards.  Cheers, y’all.