Is it hot enough for you? This summer, with temperatures soaring into the "OMG" range, even the ice cream is having a meltdown before it reaches your cone.   So, as we sit in our houses grateful for air conditioning, remember, this summer is about survival.   My tip of the moment is to stay hydrated, stay cool, grab your sunglasses, and always look for the shady spot.

Over the years my wife Joanne has often remarked (complained) about brown spots on her face and hands and applied various over the counter remedies to counter them without satisfaction.  Truly, the spots are one of "Nature's dirty tricks".

On July 4th, James Taylor celebrated his fiftieth anniversary of Fourth of July concerts at Tanglewood - the renowned music venue in Lenox Massachusetts.I love traditions. Although we’ve seen James Taylor at Tanglewood many times, we were not there last week.

Do you have the option to work remotely and/or in person? I work from home 2 days per week, if I choose, but work in the office the other 3-5 days.  While I find I am more productive in the office, I also enjoy the comradery of my coworkers.  However, that couple of days a week at home allow me to handle some things around the house that I would not otherwise get to. 

Good morning Gotham.  I am fighting a virus today and so I am going to take this week off from blogging.   Hope you all had a great July 4th and see you next week!

I have a confession to make. I am not a cleaner. I absolutely despise cleaning. To me, cleaning is just a chore that I know I have to do.   My mother, on the other hand, was an avid cleaner. Growing up, our joke was that she used to follow my brother, sister and I around the house with her sponge. My cousin tells me that she cleanses by cleaning. I feel that way when I cook but absolutely not from cleaning.  

Normally, I'd cover this stadium gathering the Sunday after so many of gathered in many rows at The Porch presented by Hijole at Citi Field.  A memorial service covered last week pushed back this report on watching the Mets defeat the Yankees on June 26 a week.  Apologies to those who expected the account then.

Judging oneself is a bad habit, that holds back our creativity and personal growth.   We often set unrealistic standards, comparing ourselves to who we think we should be. I know I am my worst critic. I expect perfection in this imperfect body and mind.   I have experienced over the years that my relentless self-criticism is waning, learning to be nicer to myself. Accepting my imperfections (there are so few :-) and understanding that mistakes are part of the learning process is liberating.