It's breaking records just about everyday. Record heatwaves are a stark reminder of the urgent need to address climate change.   They impact our health, the environment, and our communities...we need to stay hydrated big time. My coaches used to tell me to "drink before you're thirsty." Great advice, so get yourself a tall glass of water.

As a young boy my father constantly told me "You can't get ahead laying in bed with the covers over your head!"

Last Monday evening. We were at Tanglewood in Lenox, Massachusetts for the traditional July 4th James Taylor concert (actually July 3rd and 4th).I’m not sure how many James Taylor concerts at Tanglewood we’ve been to over the years, but this was not the first.

I had a completely different blog set to go for today and then I realized my blog day landed on my wife and I’s 16th Anniversary. It got me thinking about anniversaries and milestones. Besides our anniversary on the 5th, July is filled with occasions. On this same day is my brother’s wife's birthday. My Stepson Anthony’s birthday is on the 7th. My son Joe’s birthday is on the 8th. My Birthday is on the 28th. Of Course, this countries Birthday was on the 4th.

My youngest daughter is getting married in October in Rockland County. Next Sunday we have to travel up to the bakery to taste the different choices for her wedding cake. Then, after we all taste the assorted cakes, frostings and filling, we, along with my daughter and her fiancée and his parents, have to choose the type of cake, filling, and frosting.   I am extremely excited to travel to Rockland County to eat cake.  I love cake. I will taste every single piece of cake they put in front of me.

Received an interesting email on Friday.  Sort of a Save The Date for The 43rd Annual John Lennon Tribute from Theatre Within, Saturday, December 2, 2023.  Shelly and I often attend.  So do other members of this tribe that hosts this and six other daily commentaries.  When we both are able to attend we meet up before shows with Vincent and Susan Russo.

Not sure if this will catch on, but I sat down to eat lunch at a diner of sorts. In order to get food or drink I had to use the QR code in front of me to place the order, which isn't unusual. However, before any server spoke with me or had any staff interaction I had to pay for my meal AND leave a tip!    Is this the new paradigm?    BTW, I looked and did not see an option for no tip. I would've used that and left cash.

Recently, I organized a reunion of fellow contemporary graduates of my Syracuse University alma mater.