How much credibility do you give to online reviews? If I am going to a restaurant or hotel for the first time I will, generally, look through the online reviews. But my personal experience has been that people are much quicker to write about negative experiences rather than positive ones. I am uncertain what it is about the internet that can bri …
As I posted last year at this time and for several before that, holidays-themed music takes hold after Thanksgiving; sometimes even during and before. The holidays also bring lighting and I enjoy seeing those decorations. Sometimes we take eve rides listening to the music and checking out the displays in nabes known to have more than their fair sha …
Every year, I try to buy just the right amount of firewood for the winter. I go to my vendor's websites, see what's available, and at what price. This year prices are down. Maybe it's a result of more trees having been felled and/or less people are buying. I take this into account as well as anticipate the expected severity of the winter. The …
One of my favorite mantras is "Up is down and down is up". You know, what was once bad for you is now "the cure" and so on and so on...Well, my granddaughter Maggie has taken the concept to a wonderful creative and positive extreme. She presently has a showing of her Art work at Roslyn's Bryant Library where she reveals:I am working to express th …
Do you water plants on a regular basis - like once a week? Or, do you water “as needed”?I generally water my plants once a week, on Thursdays.But sometimes a plant cries out for water. And I water off schedule.And sometimes, the crying out for water leads you to overwatering.“On schedule”’or “as needed” ? Somehow I feel that this choice applies to …
As I get older, the loss of the holiday traditions that my mom carried on are now being eroded in my home. There are a few reasons for that, some because we are a mixed heritage household, some because time does not allow the leisure to participate, make, decorate the way I used to. But for me, the loss is felt most because I live so very far a …
I spent most of my Thanksgiving feeling blessed and grateful. This past weekend, we were able to spend time with both of our children. For those of you with grown children, you know that can be a feat of epic proportions. These days, spending time together requires thoughtful planning since we are all in different cities and on different coasts …
I spent most of my Thanksgiving feeling blessed and grateful. This past weekend, we were able to spend time with both of our children. For those of you with grown children, you know that can be a feat of epic proportions. These days, spending time together often requires thoughtful planning since we are all in different cities and on differen …
Now that Thanksgiving is over I can make this confession. My favorite part of the turkey is frame, which I never gnaw on in public, only in private. During dinner, with others, I eat only the white meat. My preference for the frame came from my childhood. As a kid, my sister, mother, and I would clear off the Thanksgiving table while my brother …
GOtham GREEN® continues its tradition of recognizing worthy initiatives, products & people Gotham continued it recent pre-Thanksgiving holiday tradition when it announced its Gotham Green Awards® last week. Since to November 2020 GOtham GREEN® heralds worthy initiatives, products and people ahead of Thanksgiving. Earlier awards took place a …
There's only one resource you can't buy. Unlike other resources, time stands apart. It's the one commodity we can't purchase, trade, or reclaim. No amount of wealth or influence can add a second to our day. It's what all of us have in common no matter your social standing, where you're from, or how much money you have in the bank. Time is …
I've been writing this Friday With Fred blog for nigh on 20 years and, truth be told, the well is far from dry :) Some of my fellow Gotham bloggers wait to write until the night before or morning of their weekly blogging day. Not me. I strike when inspiration hits me and in this case I'm doing it only a day after my well commented upon "Social Medi …
One of the great things about blogging on Thursdays I that I always get to blog on Thanksgiving...... To all in the Gotham Family..... Surround yourselves with people you love, give Thanks, and take an extra moment to pray for Peace. Happy Thanksgiving
As I sit here thinking about Thanksgiving 2023, I realize how much of the tradition has changed, mainly due to family no longer with us or distance away from who is left. My parents are both gone for quite some time now, as is my oldest brother. My only remaining brother and his wife are in Hawaii. My in-laws and step kids are still in NY. I have …
The other day, someone was explaining to me the importance of good listening and said – “there is a reason that we have two ears and one mouth.” That resonated with me. The art of good listening comes naturally to some but it can also be an acquired skill. When you are meeting a new client for the first time, if you use your one mouth more th …
