As I write my blog, I am looking forward to our holiday extravaganza.  Every year, we come together to celebrate, applaud our new connections and friends, and toast to a year well done.    This year will be no exception.  We are in a new location with a new excitement.

I was recently shopping for food to have in the house for the times when my grandchildren were over. As I looked up and down the aisles, my eyes were struck by a familiar can, Chef Boyardee Beefaroni.   I picked up the can and smiled.  I could still hear the commercial in my head, “We’re having beefaroni. . . beef and macaroni. . .  beefaroni is fun to eat. . . “  

Each Thanksgiving I check to see when I blogged the prior year about music for the holiday season.  That we often begin to hear that music when families gather the last Thursday in November is what brings my Holiday Music Playlist to mind.  The only thing that delays that blog is the need to timely report  this year’s Go

The last vestige of fall was scattered all over my lawn. I was compelled to take a picture to remind me of the colorful repast that fall makes before the gray skies and barren trees are in my view.   I can only wait for snow to blanket the ground with a white, sound-absorbing canopy of stillness that transforms into a scene of quiet beauty. It is as if nature will have pressed pause, giving us a moment to reflect and reset.  

Gotham's mantra is that "It's better to give than receive, but what goes around comes around."  If you live it, our mantra works in countless magical and wonderful ways.

It always amazes me when a hat I’mwearing triggers a conversation.Last Sunday, I was wearing my Baltimore Ravens hat, given to me by a dear friend who is a Ravens fan and believes that my wearing the hat has a positive impact on the team’s performance.

Thanksgiving has passed. Great food, Great football, holiday shopping, the race to year end.   I have always loved thanksgiving, everyone does. Great time with family and friends, Great food. The cool weather arrives. This year didn't disappoint. The weather definitely turned, significant snow in some areas. The food was amazing, the football was great - both college and NFL. Now everyone is looking to year end. Much to do, deadlines to meet, etc.   What are you looking to accomplish before year end?   

This past week, Australia became the first country to enact a social media ban for anyone under the age of 16.  The bill is aimed at safeguarding the mental health of young people but critics ask how can its terms possibly be enforced?  Social media platforms must verify the age of their users.  How will that happen?