It was probably September of 1967. I was coming home for my first visit after starting my freshman year at Brandeis. At the last minute I thought about bringing my parents a little something from my college. I picked up a mug (possibly a ceramic beer stein) with the school emblem. That mug was prominently displayed in their home - sometimes to my …
I gazed at the plant several times. A small myrtle topiary. Perfectly shaped with its foliage in a ball atop its stem.I was warned. A hard plant to keep alive. On the other hand, water as needed and keep it by a window and it should be fine. A challenge.Finally, after several visits, I took “Myrtle” home.Sunshine and water. She seemed fine.Then I n …
Today is a special day. Although it is someone’s birthday, everyday is someone’s birthday. Today is special because it’s Opening Day — the Mets in Miami and the Yankees at home.Opening Day is very special. No statistics, hope and optimism reign supreme. Like race horses starting in the gate. All at the same place, waiting for the start.And it’s tim …
To all of our friends in warmer climates:I’ve always suspected that the happiness of those in Florida is inversely proportional to the weather in New York.Is it true ?
We were returning to the U.S. and going through passport control. We have Global Entry. As we approached the terminals with cards in hand, we were advised to put away the cards and simply smile to the screen.The symbol spun for a bit and then a big check mark appeared and we were instructed to move on. As we approached the passport officer, she gre …
Yesterday morning the announcer on WNYC reminded listeners that it was the last day to apply for the 2023 New York City Marathon. As I heard the brief announcement, I was preparing for a deadline of my own — it was the day that we can reserve our timeshare for next year. Experience has taught me that availability quickly evaporates so it’s best to …
Over last weekend, we went to Shoppe Object, a semi-annual venue where Flo finds some of her “finds”for Refined Finds. Although the show resurfaced in person last year, this was the first show with pre-Covid attendance (and very few masks).As buyers place orders for their retail stores, I take my informal, unscientific and subjective survey of the …
237 Lafayette Street - an address that I will never forget. It is the address of the building on Lafayette Street between Spring and Prince streets in what is now the upscale neighborhood of SOHO (bordering on NOHO) in New York City. My father’s printing company was on the second floor.I stood across the street a few days ago and glanced up at the …
A few weeks ago, my sister gave me an old little picture viewer - the souvenir photo that you hold to the light (Catskill hotels, vintage a long time ago). It was a picture of me, my brother and father on a pool deck with the ocean behind us. It was in the fifties. I must have been about eight. It was the Neptune Motel in Miami Beach.We were in Mia …
The other morning, I heard a little piece on WNYC about clutter.It reminded me of a friend of my father who we visited in Tel Aviv many, many years ago. He was a local celebrity of some sort.What struck me most was the organized clutter in his apartment. The highlight of which were end tables constructed of piles of books. Despite it all, there was …
This past Tuesday was a “First Day Back.”My five year old granddaughter was having a lot of anxiety on Monday evening about her First Day Back to kindergarten. Her mom suggested that she speak to me. I told her that I also had anxiety about my First Day Back and that I took something new with me on my First Day Back - especially when it was a new y …
We gave two of our grandsons Lego sets as Hanukkah gifts and they quickly found their places to begin assembling the models. The older asked for two paper bowls to sort out and hold the many pieces as he set to work. His younger cousin observed, pondered and concluded that sorting the pieces in bowls was a good idea.He asked whether he could take t …
SOCO is a wonderful ice cream parlor on Railroad Street in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. The best ice cream.Last summer, SOCO had a venture with nearby Shakespeare and Company and fashioned some ice cream flavors dedicated to Shakespeare. And, inspired by the great playwright, SOCO offered its customers the opportunity to decorate its walls with …
I think they got it wrong when they decided that “Gaslighting” is the word of the year.I was speaking to Nancy the other day and we both commented on how many plans have been changed, often at the last minute......And how we have had to adjust accordingly.I think the word of the year should have been “Pivot”.
Congratulations to all of the honorees at the Gotham 2022 Holiday Party.I was riveted by Vince Chirico’s words. Vince received the coveted Red Bandanna Award for his efforts through Opportunities for a Better Tomorrow.Vince recounted how he would have been in his office at the World Trade Center on September 11th but for his wife’s insistence that …
