I was recently reminded of a thing New Yorkers do; I noticed it years ago. After the Knicks’ won the championship, Spike Lee talked about how he saw everyone walking around NYC dressed in their “orange and blue.”  He talked about how, with a nod and nothing more, they connected with each other. No words – just the nod. When I am out on a run in in NYC, runners nod at each other. I’ve never experienced that in other places - not on the trails, roads or beaches where I’ve run. Not in CA, GA or FL. If anything, they use words in passing. That’s it. 

Yesterday’s Bring-A-Guest lunch was exactly what we aim for networking in Gotham style to feel like -- welcoming and generous. Hosted by our Next Level group, and its Co-Chairs Jon London and Caitlyn Ryan, the room reflected the best of what happens when people come to the table to share and have fun.  A special thank-you to Jon London for providing both the space and the food. [And another special thank you from me to Shelley Simpson for coming up with this fun format.  You’ll just have to attend the next one to see what we’re talking about.]

During this past week, a party who is now representing themselves in one of my cases, emailed the court appointed accountant asking for an update. The accountant’s response came quickly, “As soon as my outstanding bill is paid, I will be happy to give you an update.” 

On occasions like this I feel blessed to blog.  Any other Gotham blogger can offer wishes the day(s) after or before but not on the actual day.  I get to blog and offer wishes appropriate to the day on both Mother’s Day and Father’s Day.  This year I get celebrate an addition aspect of today as Father’s Day:  Me as Grandfather or Grandpa (I decided to use the Hebrew word, “saba” — pronounced sah-bah) and congratulate my son as a dad.  

We all carry baggage. Some of it is justified or old. Maybe some of it has been packed so long we’re not even sure what’s in there anymore. A grudge from 2014. A fear that no longer fits. A mistake we keep dragging around like it has frequent flyer miles. At some point, we have to ask ourselves if we still need this, or if I'm just used to holding it?

Last Sunday dawned lazily, without anything planned and, to our most pleasant surprise, ended up being highlighted by two enjoyable visits.  First by elder son David and wife Julie, to just catch up and talk, eg, tulip trees, and then younger brother Alex to help us install a new hammock (pictured).To say the least, our cup ranneth over!Obviously, that's why we have never moved from the close proximity we share.Of course, there are grandchildren visits too at times :)

We don't talk about our mentors enough.Some people don't have any mentors.Some people are afraid to become mentors.I've been fortunate enough to have many amazing mentors in all walks of life.Queenie was my 1st mentor in Gotham and she taught me the importance of showing up on time (I used to be habitually late).  It was a painful, but important lesson.

Last time the US Open came to Shinnecock HIlls was 2018. Winner was Brooks Koepka. It came with some contriversy as the USGA decided that the course became so difficult and so "Unplayable" they watered the greens in the middle of the round on Saturday helping some players while those who already played did not get any benefit. The US Open tournament is suppossed to be the most difficult playing conditions of the year and the USGA always lives up to that. Lets see how the tournament progresses this week. Ill be there in Friday!