There’s nothing quite like the electric energy of the NYC Marathon—you have to experience it at least once, whether as a spectator or a runner. I know Fred has completed it 33 times, which is amazing.  

As I live my life I concentrate on not allowing my mind to enter dark rooms where depression and despair reside waiting to cloud my outlook on life. Consistent with my oft stated mantra "Up is down and down is up" I always seek to see the bright side of a situation or event.

While cleaning, I am faced with a dilemma. In going through my “stuff” I find boxes, bags, and piles of greeting cards. Birthday, anniversary, Father’s Day, all represented.

For the past 5 years I’ve  participated in a “Pumpkin Project.” It started with my team and expanded from there.   

Holiday shopping seems to start earlier and earlier every year.  Just around Halloween this year, I started to notice that the 2024 holiday season had already begun.    Really?  Is next year's season going to start at Labor Day? 

Lately I have been dealing with hiding my personal emotions while in a professional setting. During a recent oral argument I found what the other side was saying so unprofessional, outrageous, and outlandish that I had to battle internally to keep my anger in check.  

We had decided to replace more Post caps on the fence around my deck.  Some of the original caps cracked and we liked the replacements our "painting (and more) contractor" installed.  I found them on line at one of my go to hardware stores but for some reason the transaction was not going through; they insisted the issue was with my credit card; the credit card vendor said no such thing.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), a week ago, declared a drought watch, and New York City issued a citywide drought watch after a historic lack of precipitation.   It's really dry which has caused multiple wildfires, including one that burned nearly 200 acres and led to an evacuation in Livingston, New Jersey. The last time precipitation was recorded in the New York City metro area was Sept. 27.