I stopped by for dinner and just LOOK at what happened! (A brief micro-meet in Pittston)

[poconovacman]

This evening, after playing the organ at Confirmation at the church right down the street from the residence of our own fabulous John Long, I was invited to have dinner at his house. He whipped up a quick batch of pasta and some homemade sauce with meatballs (also homemade). Following our delicious meal, the fun began. 


 


First, we chatted whilst John prepared 2 Irish Soda Breads, one of which came home with me and is currently being sampled, also by me. 

 

[poconovacman]

First, we chatted whilst John prepared 2 Irish Soda Breads, one of which came home with me and is currently being sampled, also by me. He's such a good egg. 

 

[poconovacman]

Then, after the soda breads went into the oven, he began preparing two crock pots full of homemade tomato sauce and more homemade meatballs. 

 

[poconovacman]

All ready to begin cooking! 

 

[poconovacman]

Now, of course, while all of this was happening, we had to sip on the famous Pittston Hospital Iced Tea!! 

 

[poconovacman]

Simmering away merrily! 

 

[poconovacman]

After the cooking was underway, the Objets d'Hoover made an appearance, of course! 


 


First, we have a near pristine Model 67

 

[poconovacman]

The owner insisted that I try the attachments! 

 

[poconovacman]

They're rear conversion.....yes, you KNOW they are! 

 

[poconovacman]

I had to take them for a spin too. 

 

[poconovacman]

John just HAD to whisk up a stray crumb on the carpet. 

 

[poconovacman]

*GASP* is that a dust bunny?!?! 1070 to the rescue!!! 

 

[poconovacman]

I spied the rare bird, the 634, sitting in a corner all lonely and I just couldn't stand to leave it alone!

 

[poconovacman]

and the Citation (Model 64) in the entrance hall. Original except for the bag!

 

[poconovacman]

EGAD! Is that a TTI machine in the hands of Mr. Hoover himself?!?!

 

[poconovacman]

The Convertible Estate had to make an appearance on the red carpet too. 

 

[poconovacman]

Is that a cat hair? Have no fear, the Hoover BrushVac is here!

 

[poconovacman]

BrushVac or HelpMate? Which one would YOU choose?

 

[poconovacman]

And just for a lark, we had to use the Hoover Lark. 

 

[poconovacman]

I hope you all enjoy the photos of our impromptu get together. Just a matter of being in the right place at the right time. I look forward to next time!

 

[electrolux137]

Looks like y'all had great fun. I'd love to get the recipe for the Irish Soda Bread!

 

[countryguy]

Looks like a great time was had. I love iced tea. Why is it called Pittston Hospital Iced Tea? What makes it famous?

Gary

 

[papasvacs]

Looks like.......

<span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;">............... you two had a "barrel" of fun.</span>


<span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;">  </span>


<span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;">John, it was good to talk to you last night, too.  Convention plans being made.  The "transportation issue" has me boggled right now.  So many options!  Compounded by the "family issues" happening right now. 

</span>


<span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"> </span>


<span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;">Thinking maybe AmTrak.  One of the cheapest options and I've always wanted to do a train trip.  Looking forward to rooming with you and Joe.  Lots of fun!  Hope the linens are as nice as the last place I stayed!</span>


<span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"> </span>


<span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;">Guess I'll clear my mind by running a Hoover today. 

</span>


<span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"> </span>


<span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;">Greg</span>

 

[dysondestijl]

Hmm, feel free to invite me when your next cooking up a feast!!! Hmmm... Bet those meatballs were good!

 

[scvacuumguy]

Matt, I've known you for a few years and I had an awesome phone conversation with John a few weeks ago. You guys make me want to retire to PA- so much home cooking and so much fun! Glad you guys had a great time.

 

[gottahaveahoove]

I'm glad you're enjoying the pics.

You never know who's gonna ring that bell!!
I'm all Irish, but live in a very Italian town. When my parents were dating, they'd go to a restaurant in Scranton. My mom raved about the sauce. Someone took her into the kitchen and taught her how to make it.We've all made it that way ever since....54 years ago!The soda bread, too, is a famliy recipe. My late aunt, (convertible 70 DELFT BLUE)taught us how to make it. People say soda bread can be dry. This never is, and is very easy to make, at least for me.
That iced tea came from Pittston Hospital. Years ago, a cook made it in a big crock on the stove there. We were all born there and my father was the last person to die there before a brand new state-of-the-art medical center replaced it 6 miles away from here. A few years ago, I did a TV documentary about the place. I 'discovered' the recipe. For about a year, 4 retired nurses (there was a nursing school there), and a lab tech would meet at my house every week to go over pics, stories, files ,etc. One night, I served it to them."WHERE did you find this? We haven't had this in 25 years". It was enjoyed by so many at "The Haven On The Hill", as it was lovingly referred to. And so, I make it all the time. Some don't like it. Others love it. It's a treasured special recipe along with the sauce and the soda bread...all recipes from long ago. ENJOY!

 

[gottahaveahoove]

Greg!

I doubt you'll find HOOVER linens at he convention. But ,you can't have "everything"...where would you put it?

 

[gottahaveahoove]

And, thanks, Matt for taking most of the pics.

It seeme the camera is very kind to this 140 year old place. Wish I could say the same for me.

 

[countryguy]

So John, do you give out your famous iced tea recipe or is it kept as a secret?

Gary