Yesterday was our annual - and final- fall drive to Syracuse to take Emily back to school.  We took two cars since Emily keeps one up here, and also because she has 3,000 pairs of shoes that won't fit in one trunk.   The girls drove together and I went solo, which I relished.  I could keep my windows and sun roof open, and listen to whatever I wanted to, as loud as I wanted to, which was back and forth between Sirius 50's on 5, 60's on 6, and the Grateful Dead channel.   Having just fini

Last Thursday was a fascinating day. In the morning I attended a bris. My friend became a Grandpa and it was a happy joyous celebration with a beautiful buffet. Lots of smiling people. Although it was a little strange that people were videoing the act on their iPhones. Why anyone would want to see that again is beyond me. I also think that when the boy gets older, he won't want to see that either.  

I admit that I am competitive. Does being competitive make losing harder to bear?   Gotham has two softball teams the Gotham Bombers and the Gotham Batmen. I pitch for the Gotham Batmen.   Last year we finished in first place. This year the Batmen finished in second place with a nine wins and two loss record.  The season begins in April and ends in August.  That's a long time to be caught up in competitive softball madness.  

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.