Its that time again. My 3 year lease ends in May so I am now spending too much time at car dealers. The process is frustrating and you always feel as if you are being taken advantage of. You haggle, negotiate and strike the best deal you can get. I know the rule of thumb is that your 3 year, 12k mile lease should be between 1 - 1.5% of the total list price with 1.25% being a good deal. But spending your weekend at the dealer to get there is frustrating. Here we go again..... 

I am picking up on the theme of Rona's blog to tell a story about which I am sure many of you can relate.As you know, my mom passed a few months back.  We are in the process of getting the house ready to sell.  In doing so, oh, the papers -- so many papers.When my dad passed in 2017, I did not really tackle the papers.  It didn't seem all that necessary at the time.  My father kept files -- lots and lots of files.  I knew that but there was no urgency to sift through them.

We were recently blessed to participate in a traditional Jewish naming of our granddaughter at the temple where my son in law’s family have been members for over thirty years. Our granddaughter, Skylar was named for our son-in-law’s father Steven, who died in the Twin Towers, Skylar's middle name is Remy after my Mom, Ruth. Skylar’s English names use the first letters of their English names. Skylar’s Hebrew names, however, are their Hebrew names. 

Wednesday, texting with my daughter and sharing some insights and guidance, she concludes that she forgot to mention she has column out in the weekday publication, amNY.  It appeared Thursday on page 22.  I posted Read “Time For NY Colleges To Show They Take Discrimination Charges Seriously” by Marisa Bearakto X (formerly twitter).  I recommend you read it.  Let me know in the comments what you think.

I recently heard a story about two guys climbing a mountain.Everything was planned. They knew the route and had the gear. This was supposed to be a straightforward climb. Then the weather turned out of nowhere. Visibility was gone, and the trail was wiped out. One of them said, “This isn’t the climb we signed up for.”And he was right.The other guy didn’t try to spin it. He just said, “Then we stop pretending it is.”So they adjusted.

By far, one of the foremost pleasures in Key West is biking. The little island is perfectly flat with bike friendly lanes. However, due to unforeseen and unfortunate circumstances, I can no longer ride a "two wheeler". I am reduced to biking on a trike (tricycle). To make matters worse, I am historically on record with my distain for males on a trike. Call me what you like, but I am who I am!

We were outside the small off- Broadway theatre a few minutes after enjoying the performance. We were just hanging out and sharing our impressions of the play with other theater goers when we noticed the lead actor - recognizable albeit in street clothes - talking to a group of people and taking selfies.When that group began to disperse, Flo walked over to thank him for his remarkable performance.As we talked, he said: “ Oh, yes, I saw you guys - second row ? Right?”

 If you like to whine, this will not be the place for you, but if you enjoy fine WINES, then you should join us for our 2nd annual Wine Tasting school, May 12, 2026 at Tarter Krinsky and Drogin (thank you for hosting).  There will be light italian treats to prepare your tummy for the yummy wine, which is provided by Torciano Wineries, and yes, they are straight out of Italy!   Last year was such a wonderful even that we are having a command performance for you Gothamites!