Shelly and I played host to a visitor from just before Christmas through New Year's Day. We last hosted Jackson in the Spring. Marisa came "home" to help. Jackson is a playful not so young anymore dog who likes to have things his way. My friend Jeff Goldberg's son Justin dropped off Justin on the way to visit his dad and mom Karen. Justin and …
The cold is oddly reflective. It slows us down, forces us indoors, and creates just the right conditions for introspection and reflection. Sure, we’re bundled up like burritos with hot tea in hand, but aren’t those moments special? The world feels smaller, quieter, and more intimate. It’s a time for reading by the fire, organizing that area in your …
Concentrating on the bright side of a unique, complicated year my positive highlights are:1) Appreciable Gotham growth and community 2) Visiting mile marker 823) Grandson Shawn becomes an Eagle Scout4) Shawn and sister Ruby compete in Gotham Battle of the Bands5) A good friend is cancer free6) Family picture on Rao's wall7) 4 months without Drinkin …
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 …
SOme people make predictions for the comoing year, others make New Years Resolutions. Often times New Years Resolutions are broken in the first few months. A few years ago I made a resolution to give up soda and I did. Rarely do I have it, I dont miss it. More and more often on Instagram ill see a video using Coke to clean a rusty old wrench. Scary …
As we end 2024, I am reflecting on what a year it has been in Gotham. So much change in a good way – new groups, new friends, new events. Yet as we keep doing this thing called Gotham, so much stays the same. Since the very beginning of Gotham time our motto has not wavered – it is better to give than receive, but what goes around comes around. …
Can you work with music playing? On Saturday mornings I generally write my blogs. I always have music on during that time. Some Saturday mornings, when I am finished with the blog writing, I will catch up on some work. The moment I change from writing blogs, I have to turn off the music. I find that the music distracts me just enough that I ca …
At the end of each year I traditionally rank my top ten concerts. This year I took a different approach. I shared a chronological listing as I found it difficult to rank them. As I related in my commentary, "What I found really difficult throughout involved settling on one concert as the best of the bunch. All I found special; some sets were l …
It’s that time of year again—time to make my predictions for the upcoming events! Or, in other words, take a few shots in the dark. :) Last year, I made a record-breaking six predictions and went 4-for-6. Since 2007, my total record stands at 29 out of 57—putting me at a .508 batting average. Here are my three predictions for 2024: Infla …
Last week I wrote about my most poignant Christmas memory, it involved my mother giving and then taking away a prized toy top on Christmas Day when I was a little boy. I wrote the blog from the heart and was surprised by how much credit my mom received for inspiring the birth of Gotham when she whispered to me "It's better to give than receive."W …
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 …
As we approach the holidays, whichever you may celebrate, the one common denominator is family...always has been, hopefully always will be. So, spend time away from your career - body AND mind - smell the Folger's coffee brewing (still one of my favorite holiday commercials) - watch the snow fall while you sit by a cozy fire drinking hot chocolat …
I saw a news story the other day fitting of the season. Once a year, a group of friends goes on an excursion together. They pick a different local restaurant and make a reservation for lunch or dinner. It takes about three weeks to pick just the right restaurant and usually about ten friends join this annual tradition. Each agrees to bring …
I love to read. For as long as I can remember, reading has always been my greatest escape, a doorway to worlds unknown and stories untold. I can easily read one book a week, most often before I go to sleep. Although, during football season I can read all day while my husband watches football. My husband, however, is the polar opposite, preferring …
I Know we have not "encountered" Christmas and Chanukah yet but one tradition I follow is to post on the Sunday before Christmas eve and earlier if Chanukah which starts this year the eve of Christmas Day, falls sooner, my verified (meaning all the links work) Songs to Ring In The New Year playlist to ring in New Year’s eve. As most know, with …
