Category: The Landing

September was always a hectic month when I was a child. We would always leave Huletts on Labor Day with our U-Haul trailer in tow. We packed everything – including the dog – and would head off. My grandparents would always say – Huletts turned into a different place at 3:00 pm on Labor Day – everything would go quiet, very quickly.

We would always head down through Fort Edward and stop at Stewarts where we would walk the dog. One year he got away and ran down to the Hudson River. As I was chasing after him, I remember thinking ‘this water is nothing like Lake George.’ We would travel over Bridge Street and across 197 and pick up the Northway at exit 17 because my father would say we missed all the traffic that way. Years later, driving that way always brings back memories.

We would always hit more traffic as we headed south, and our thoughts would turn to the beginning of the school year. My mother would always bring brown paper shopping bags because we used them to make covers for our schoolbooks. In our school district we always learned who our new teacher was at the end of the previous year, so starting wasn’t too stressful. My mother was President of the PTA so all the teachers came to our house for a luncheon in September so we knew them all.

Leaving the lake was always the hard part. There were no cell phones then. So, you basically “enjoyed” the ride. My brothers and I, along with the dog, would be crammed into the back seat of our station wagon and my parents would talk about the good things that happened that summer. I was always hoping for a successful year for the NY Giants, who I always rooted for, because I knew NFL Sundays would start soon.

So, wherever you are this point in the summer – in Huletts, back at your winter destination, or even on the road, a blessed and relaxing September to everyone. The NFL might even distract you from realizing that you’re not in Huletts anymore! (But maybe you are still in Huletts. If so – enjoy the peace and quiet!)

Ed Briody walking in the 2023 New York city St. Patrick’s day parade.

I’m sorry to report that our longtime friend, Ed Briody, died recently after a short illness.

Ed was a humble, devout man who was always willing to serve others. My parents met Ed many years ago when the Catholic Alumni Club vacationed on Vicars Island. Ed brought his family to Huletts and, while renting a house, fixed so many things that we had to adjust the rent accordingly. Over the years, he became like family.

After retiring from a career with NY City, Ed spent his spare time advocating for those who lacked a voice, helping our family and visiting his relatives in Ireland. Ed believed in the goodness of work and was fiercely proud of his Irish heritage. Hard, physical labor was never too challenging for him. When he wasn’t performing some type of strenuous labor, he was getting ready with his tools and supplies for the next day. There were times when I would go out at night and find him doing all types of work. When I told him to come home for dinner, he would tell me he still had things to finish and to let him finish them.

Even though, he had not been to Huletts in a few years, we would speak regularly, and he always wanted me to convey his good wishes to all in the community.

If you believe that life is a gift to be used in the service of others, you would understand Ed. He will be greatly missed.

Rest in Peace Ed!

“May God support us all the day long, till the shades lengthen and the evening comes, and the busy world is hushed, and the fever of life is over, and our work is done. Then in His mercy may He give us a safe lodging, and a holy rest and peace at the last.”