I had heard the story - a bit of family lore - and now it has a new twist. Years ago, my brother-in-law, Howie, met Larry David (Curb Your Enthusiasm) on a golf course on Martha's Vineyard. "Hi, Mr. David, I'm a fan of yours." "What's your name?" "Howard Diamond." "Howard! I'll remember that name." And they parted ways.

Last Thursday, after having numerous softball games cancelled for rain this season, we were pumped to play our final regular season game on the schedule.  The forecast was for possible showers all day and evening.  I trepidaciously took my son to the Mets game (courtesy of Vincent Russo & Associates, Elder Law Specialists - thanks again) and we barely had a drop of rain all day despite overcast skies and clouds.

  I spend a lot of time on the Long Island Railroad. One of my favorite things to do during an otherwise uneventful commute is to catch up on great television.  

A story that I read in the news this week really upset and concerned me. A Florida man, Derek Melina, confessed to killing his wife and posted a picture of her body on his Facebook feed. He then turned himself into police.

My son and daughter in law and another couple are camping near Lake George this weekend.  He tells me after they park the car there is a canoe waiting for them by the shore.   They have to pack the canoe with all of their equipment, and paddle to a small uninhaited island, and that is where they unload and set up camp and stay for the weekend.  

I experienced something unusual last Saturday at my monthly sojourn to Costco. My purchases did not exceed $200. I don't think I've ever done that before and I suspect many others haven't either. I noticed this because when I stood there with the electronic pen ready to sign on the electronic pad for the sale, nothing came up. The cashier looked at me and said, "You don't have to sign for purchases under $200." mmmph. I believe any other store the minimum is $50.  

It's true... having a puppy is like having a new baby and in our case "a late in life" one.  We did have dogs in the past.. but then they ran free and no one worried about what they ate.  I certainly never learned how to walk a dog on a leash...

Three of our four children live on the fourth floor of their respective buildings. The two in Brooklyn are walk-ups, while one in Seattle has an elevator  I think walk-ups are healthy. Flo had a Great Aunt Anna who lived in a fifth floor walk up in the Bronx. She lived into her nineties. I bet the walk-up had something to do with her longevity.  So I am favorable to Mayor Bloomberg's recently announced initiative that new architecture in New York City be sensitive to, and encourage, stairs.