The clouds were threatening and were moving towards us last Sunday afternoon. We stopped at a wine and cheese store in Stockbridge as the drizzle turned to a downpour. Wet, but safely inside as the skies opened. The rain was torrential. The report later was 3 inches in less than an hour. Roads flooded. The roof of the store sprung a leak and we h …
June 1. Just another day in the calendar? Summer has begun. Heat up your brain and heart. Every day we have the opportunity for kindness and acheivement. Use this day wisely. Some things that happened on June 1: 1533 - Anne Boleyn, Henry VIII’s new queen, was crowned. 1938 - Baseball helmets were worn for the first time. 1954 - In the Peanuts c …
With Memorial Day now past, summer is around the corner. We spent Sunday at the beach. Not our usual trek to the busy beaches we typically visit on the south shore of Long Island. This weekend, we went to a small, quiet, pretty beach on the north shore. The views were spectacular even if the beach was rocky. Our afternoon made me start thin …
It happened on Saturday. We were on our friend’s boat watching The Blue Angel’s airshow. The sky was clear blue and the weather on the water was incredible. There was the subtlest breeze so it wasn’t too hot or too cold. And the airshow was astounding. Surrounded by family and friends I couldn’t help but look around and think, “What a perfect mome …
The approach of summer means signals concert season. Outdoor venues host any number of shows into September. Music acts of all kinds abound and offer ample opportunity to find sounds of enjoyment. I expect to see at least three show just this month in just nine days. Peter Frampton and Lynyrd Skynyrd at Jones Beach; Al Kooper (pictured abo …
The Bible has been translated into 531 languages and now you have the option of reading it in Emojis. I kid you not. Take a look at this... As of now the person that translated it remains unidentified but sources tell me that the author wanted Millennials to identify with the teachings in the Bible. The author was quoted as saying "A major …
We have a Citi Bank-American Airlines credit card (see photo above) As you may have guessed, we chose it for the "miles" as our favorite destination is on the AA system. We use it frequently enough so that the accumulated miles are not forfeited over time. It works for us, but I wonder...are we missing out? Are there better deals out there? Ar …
This has to be one of the most bizarre and resourceful happenings ever witnessed. We were at the Gala and Auction for UrbanGlass -- a wonderful facility in Brooklyn and worth a visit for anyone interested in glass. During the cocktail hour, pieces that were being auctioned were on display in UrbanGlass’s gallery. As we enjoyed drinks and hors d’oeu …
I heard this week of a great loss. No well known celebrity this man, but loved by many many people. I had only met him once, but knew then of his light and joy and brains and loves. I am moved too because I love those who loved him. We miss you, Edward. Death Before us great Death stands Our fate held close within his quiet hands. When with proud …
We have been talking recently in my house about what counts as an instrument. My son sings. It’s actually pretty amazing how much time and attention he devotes to his craft. We counted yesterday. Between the five choral groups with which he performs, NYSSMA, All County, the school musical and a few more performances, he had to learn nearly 100 …
To me May has always been the beginning of the “celebration season.” In May and June there are generally graduations, weddings, births, and celebratory showers. It is often a busy, but happy, time. This past weekend, my step-son, Ryan, graduated SUNY Binghamton. (a year early and Summa Cum Laude the proud step-mother brags). It was a weekend f …
As some know I enjoy maintaining my own website. Credit my son Jonathan who taught his dad enough code and who built some nifty sites (two still running) while in middle school. With a little help from my son who did not like the planned homepage banner and developed a nicer looking one (see pic), I redeveloped the website for a fraternal and cha …
Our government has a National Do Not Call Registry which is supposed to limit the amout of telephone solicitations you received. But there seems to be something amiss. Since registering my cell number, I've gotten more calls lately, robo or otherwise trying to sell me something. Does anybody else have this same experience? It's interesting when …
Last Saturday we returned to timeless earthly labor and planted our vegetable garden. This was the first time in memory that I participated and, truth be told, 3/4 of the work was done by Joanne. Usually she engages in this annual ritual with our son Alex. However, he was unavailable and I was drafted to substitute. We started with an early mor …
I had a feeling that it might be a phishing call, but the caller ID said “Floral Park” and I have a client in Floral Park, so I answered. Perhaps I should have hung up when a voice I didn't recognize asked to speak to Benjamin. When I asked who's calling, the man answered “Audi lease protection”. “What’s this about.” I asked. “Your 2012 Q5. Do you …
