We have three orchid plants. We haven’t seen flowers in years — most likely not since the flowers when we first bought the plants.There is a large plant and two smaller ones. And one is even smaller than the other.Depending on the “tips for orchids” of the moment, we water them, let them dry out, mist them, keep them by the window, keep them in dar …
There’s a woman at one of the beach-side shops. Her name is Nicki.She may be one of the most-popular people on Palm Beach, Aruba and we make it a point to see her every year.She relayed the following:She used to work at a larger company — also in sales. She and a colleague were in constant competition since their compensation was directly tied to t …
From Aruba. The ordeal of standing in line at the Palapa Hut in the late afternoon heat to reserve a palapa was a time-honored tradition. Now that tradition is replaced by an app. All reservations are by app. The lady at the hut simply confirms your reservation and points you in the right direction.I am reminded of a story told to me by Stu who int …
I sometimes wonder what I would take if I could only take what I could pack in one suitcase. I’m not talking about packing for a vacation. I am imagining taking and not returning. Perhaps it is the turmoil and catastrophic events that pervade the news… but that’s my imagination.And as I wonder about the contents of that suitcase, I always find myse …
I’ve always felt that the happiness of people who live (or vacation or snowbird) in warmer climate, is inversely proportional to the weather in colder climates (from where many seek refuge).So, it was no surprise that we received a text on Sunday (while I was shoveling snow) from our friend who left New York on Saturday morning (before the snow) fo …
I thought I was “brushed”.“Brushing”, I quickly learned, is a scam connected to identity theft.This all unfolded was when I returned home to find four packages from Amazon had been delivered. Not having ordered anything, I was curious and opened the packages hoping to find some indication of where they came from. The contents were assorted items: c …
It’s nice to receive reinforcing confirmation.I was speaking to a colleague who works for a multinational not for profit headquartered in London. She was in London and not sure exactly what she was going there.On prior trips from the U.S., she always had a specific project or event in London. This trip was filled with various meetings with her over …
We sent our four-year-old granddaughter a little Lego set for her birthday.A few days later, we received a picture of her proudly showing the completed project.We called (actually it was a video call) to congratulate her and asked whether it was hard to assemble.“It was hard,… but I did it!” she proudly responded.A lesson for a lifetime from a four …
The other evening, I was beginning to compose my blog for this week. About the football playoffs and choosing teams to root for even though they were not my usual hometown teams. The added enjoyment and excitement of rooting for a team — even if just for one game.And then I received a phone call that one of my dear friends has just died.It puts thi …
In a recent telephone conversation, the attorney on the other side of the dispute offered to draft the document reflecting our agreement to resolve the matter.“I’ll put pencil to paper.” He said.I haven’t heard that phrase in a while and it got me thinking about the creative process.I wondered whether he would actually put “pencil to paper” or whet …
I have an old leather “weekender” bag. Leather hand and shoulder strap—no wheels.We have dear friends with whom we have celebrated New Year’s Eve for over twenty years (save one). Our tradition is to have new year’s dinner out east on Long Island, where our friends have a home.And when I pack for new year’s to go out east, I always use my “weekende …
Tomorrow evening, we light the third candle for Hanukkah. The third night of Hanukkah will forever have a special significance for me. Tomorrow evening is the second anniversary of my mother’s passing.Lighting the third candle at the same time that I light a Yahrzeit (remembrance) candle is bittersweet.However, it most appropriate for my mother who …
At a recent Gotham in person meeting a guest circulated a flyer promoting an upcoming holiday charity event. Only one flyer to go around. And so the phone cameras came out and the image of the flyer was preserved.A few days later, i was checking in to a hotel and valet parked my car. While handing me the ticket the attendant suggested that I take a …
Inspired by true events…,I recently attended a business meeting. The nine of us were seated around a very large conference table.All but one - a woman- in suits and ties.As I looked around the room, it was a familiar, albeit, very outdated image. Suits and ties. Only one woman in the room.I struggled with whether I was comfortable or uncomfortable. …
It always amazes me when a hat I’mwearing triggers a conversation.Last Sunday, I was wearing my Baltimore Ravens hat, given to me by a dear friend who is a Ravens fan and believes that my wearing the hat has a positive impact on the team’s performance.We were in Brooklyn at a burger joint. The Ravens were on TV and the hat was on my head. Unfortuna …
