A busy month , besides being hot and wet, there were several fundraisers for people in need, which was wonderful that people are caring. Many church picnics and gatherings were held.

An antique boat show was held in Skaneateles, and there was also an antique car show at Emerson Park. I live near the park and got to see so many cars as they were driving there. Isn't it scary when you get to see so many old cars you recognize?

My father had a 1931 Packard Limousine until 1945. My great uncle had a rental service, and when the car was several years old, he gave it to my dad. It was a nine-passenger with fold-out seats, and my dad used to take some of the people who worked for him home after work. Sometimes he picked them up because not many people had their own transportation and the bus schedules weren't the same as restaurant schedules, so they would have had to walk. Of course, even though we had ice cream at the restaurant, in the summer we always stopped up by the lake for an ice cream cone on the way home. In 1945, the car was still running great, but my dad decided to buy a new regular sized car because my mom had gotten her license, and it was too big for her to handle. The man that bought it was still driving it a few years later. amazing that cars lasted so long then.

I did usher at the Merry-Go-Round Theater for the “Music Man.” I enjoyed doing it and the show was wonderful. Very well done; many talented people performed.

The other amazing event was the reunion of the “Blue Lights” at the Pavilion. The park was mobbed with people dancing, talking, watching, reminiscing. It was an excellent idea to have it, and I think this event should be scheduled at least every year. The Fleming Fire Department No. 1 handled the refreshments.

It seems everyone I've talked to was there and raved about it. When the band first started up they used to practice every week at Springside. Barbara and Bill Dove let them use the empty banquet room. They played at many weddings. Ron told me their first reception was 32 years ago.

Last but not least, the big event for my family was having a picture taken. My friend Phil Dellostritto, the photographer, came to my mom's house and took a five generation photo of my mom down to the new great-grandson. I can't wait to see the picture. I have to give my daughter, Stacey, the credit for suggesting we do it.

My ethnic recipe today is from Yugoslavia and my other recipe is for Zucchini Pancakes.

Today's blooper

Today's blooper is actually mine. In fact, it happened just last week.

I was mixing meatloaf. I had put the hamburger in a bowl, added bread crumbs and then I always add some oil before I finish adding the onion and seasonings. Well, I picked up the bottle and spread it evenly over the top of the meat. The bottle seamed lighter than I expected. I thought I had more oil in the bottle.

I have two matching bottles with my oil and vinegar. Well, of course, I had picked the vinegar bottle. The two caps were different colors, and I never looked to check.

Well, I rinsed the mixture, took out the bread crumbs and started over. The meat was a little pale of course. I added the rest of the ingredients and baked it. After it was cooked, I drained half of the liquid off so it wouldn't fall apart when I sliced it.

It seemed all right, but I'm glad I wasn't having company over for dinner.

Diana Sobus, of Auburn, specializes in making ethnic foods

Yugoslavia Pork with String Beans

Makes 4 servings

1 large onion thinly sliced

1 large green pepper seeded and thinly sliced

1 pound pork tenderloin cut into bite sized pieces

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 pound string beans, trimmed

1/2 cup water

2 tablespoons flour

Paprika

Sour cream

Heat a small amount of oil in a large skillet over medium high heat.

Saute onion and green pepper until brown. Add pork, paprika, salt and pepper to taste.

Continue cooking until meat is browned. Stir in beans and water.

Reduce heat, cover and simmer until pork is tender - approximately 45 minutes.

When ready to serve, brown flour in oil on low heat. Add more paprika for color, and stir constantly 2-3 minutes.

Add to meat and cook until sauce thickens.

Serve hot and top with sour cream.

Zucchini Pancakes

Makes 4 servings

3 cups coarsely grated zucchini

1 egg beaten lightly

Pinch of nutmeg

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 cup all purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

Oil

Grated Parmesan cheese to garnish

Combine zucchini and egg and mix well. Add nutmeg, salt and pepper.

Sift flour and baking powder into the mixture, and blend

thoroughly.

Lightly oil a large skillet and place over medium high heat.

Use 1/4 cup batter for each pancake. Cook until lightly golden turning once.

Transfer to platter and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.