As I mature I find myself awaking and getting out of bed earlier and earlier. Early? 5:00ish to be exact. I manage my waking time and the requisite minimum 7 hours slumber by trying to be in bed by 9:30, supplemented by occasional afternoon naps. In doing so, I usually awake rested and ready to go and go I do. I find the private time alone with …
A Talisman is defined as an object, typically an inscribed ring or stone, that is thought to have magic powers and to bring good luck. I believe in creating good fortune, if it is in my power. It is the corollary to my mantra: It’s better to give than receive, but what goes around comes around, which has worked out very well for me and others. Thi …
How much do you pay for your telephone phone bill?Forget about throwback landlines, just your cell phone service plan?I am the arch Luddite, so for me to stumble upon this cost free convenience on the Down-low means that virtually everyone is already in the know!Know what?There are a variety of FREE telephone services available to all of us which w …
It seems to me that we are becoming comfortably lazy. An example of which is that many now insist on working from home or prefer Zoom rather than in person meetings. Say what you like, but question yourself. Have I become comfortably lazy? Once you admit the truth, your opinion as to the impact of the Pandemic upon our way of life might change …
Last Sunday we pulled into a restaurant near closing time for a late supper and I noticed an extraordinary thing. The whole waitstaff, even after working a long weekend shift, was all smiling and eager to serve. I can’t explain it, but either there was something in the air or management found the secret to customer satisfaction. What I do know is …
Yes, I am happy to be home safe and sound, but parting is such sweet sorrow. We have reveled in Paradise for 4 months and Paradise Lost is not an easy read or feeling. See you soon!
Residing at the southern most point of the continental USA I am constantly confronted by the unaccustomed south land salutation of SIR. I hear it all the time and I look around and discern that it is directed at me. When I question why SIR I am told it is an expression of respect (to an older man). Well you can imagine how that sits with me! Then …
In today’s technologically sophisticated world there are myriad channels of communication. To me, the best and most basic manner of communication is talking face to face, where you can look someone directly in the face and discern facial expressions (“Tells”) while taking in the words, gestures and eye contact. My father’s number one rule of inte …
My feet have been supporting me (so far) to the 80 Mile Marker and, truth be told, they are worse for wear. Rough going to say the least! One day Joanne was going for a manicure/pedicure and being familiar with my feet asked if I’d like to come along and I was game. We went to Amri Day Spa at 1204 Simonton Street in Key West and so …
Did you ever invite someone to dinner and your guest proceeds to order the most expensive steak entree on the menu? It happened to me recently and after getting over my initial penurious shock I was actually and genuinely impressed with the guest’s self possessed chutzpah! So it goes…
Wednesday was my 80th Birthday! 80 is a nice (yes nice) round number which I have been mulling daily throughout my 80th year. Rather than be daunted by it, I am proud of it and hear myself proclaiming my age often. Why not? It is what it is. A number. A mile marker (thank you Erin McKenna and Guy deBoer for the annual ride) along my life journey …
I recently had an interesting conversation with friends about tipping. Before I relate the conversation , it is useful to explain that “tip” is an acronym for To Insure Promptitude and the custom originated in Europe and is traced back to 17th century England. Whatever it’s origins, tipping has become an integral way of life and sustenance in our …
Last night we celebrated the 25th anniversary of Gotham’s very first meeting. Imagine, our inception was in the previous century!So much good has occurred over those many years. So much business has been generated. So many lifetime friendships inspired. So many have lived our “It’s better to give than receive, but what goes around comes around” …
I can’t explain it, but most days I’m friendly. I encounter a person and am compelled to strike up a conversation and then find common ground and then explore similarities and experiences. Before I know it we are “fast friends”. People have remarked upon this conduct. Some positive, some wonder and some negative. Whatever the source, I c …
Do you remember The Invisible Man? In that H.G. Wells book a scientist invents a way to become invisible. Well today our youth oriented society has relegated many of my vintage to virtual, if not actual, invisible status :( Have you ever noticed how many people look through or just ignore you? Have you ever noticed how older people have adopted t …
Fridays With Fred
A perfect way to send you into your weekend