Herb always knew when we were away for the weekend or a vacation. If we forgot to tell him in advance, he would call as soon as he realized the car was gone.“Hey kids. You away again? When will you be back? And, do you want me to put in the papers?”“And, I love that bread you brought back last time.”Herb was the perfect neighbor.Living side by side …
Shortly after meeting someone for the first time, the question is asked:“What do you do?”Invariably - at least in my experience- the question evokes a response about what someone does for a living, or, perhaps, did for a living.Is that changing?Do others, a different generation or otherwise, respond differently?How would it feel to answer the quest …
As a young child my family took me to Miami Beach. We stayed at the Neptune Resort Motel, which, I recently learned, was on Collins Avenue at 159th Street in the long-since demolished Motel Row (and has been replaced by high-rise condos). Our trips were an annual family vacation ritual. Until a few weeks ago, when we stayed at a hotel …
Every person is a universe and every universe has it's mysteries.Flo met Dana at the Jewish Museum in Miami Beach. She followed us into the museum and immediately caught Flo’s eye. She had the air about her that invited Flo to ask “Are you okay?”Dana looked at Flo and asked“Can you give me a hug?”After the thank you for the hug, Dana explained that …
We had a problem with the humidifier in our central heating system. No humidity. Simply no water getting into the humidifier.We called our trusted longtime HVAC engineer - Andy - and made an appointment for a checkup.At the appointed time, Andy was sick and sent a young man who was filling in for the day.After an analysis, we were told that we nee …
AI probably affects me more than I know and in ways I most likely don’t understand. But I’ve never really gone out to engage it.So when I visited a friend who I know is really into AI, I wasn’t surprised when he offered a demonstration. We got into an involved conversation about current issues in healthcare and he took out his smartphone and aske …
The other day, I looked out our bedroom window and was shocked to see our neighbor’s backyard. They had cut down the trees along the back fence.Trees that had dominated our view for so long.Trees that had shaded us in summer.Trees that were home and a resting spot to the birds that I feed every morning.The trees are gone.Sadly.But I have faith in n …
We attended the Winter concert of the National Children’s Chorus.Our seven-year-old grandson, who recently found his voice and has been rehearsing with the chorus for a few months, was our reason to make the trip to the City for the performance.In addition to witnessing his first performance, we watched the more-advanced performers.And what impress …
It was raining and I noticed the worm in the shallow puddle formed on the pavement.I wondered about the worm as it moved through the water. The puddle would dry with the worm stranded without a path off the pavement.I was taught to observe nature and not interfere with it.Do I rescue the worm or leave it to its fate?After a few moments thought, I f …
Do you water plants on a regular basis - like once a week? Or, do you water “as needed”?I generally water my plants once a week, on Thursdays.But sometimes a plant cries out for water. And I water off schedule.And sometimes, the crying out for water leads you to overwatering.“On schedule”’or “as needed” ? Somehow I feel that this choice applies to …
Texts versus emails - is that the question?It has become increasingly clear to me that, if you really need to get in touch with someone, texting is more effective than email. The reasons abound. I even find myself texting someone to tell them that I sent them an email.There was a time when it was acceptable to not share your cellphone number. Covid …
What’s in a name?My last name has always been a challenge of sorts. Hard to spell, difficult to pronounce and, given its meaning in German— roughly translated to “cheapskate” — a chuckle or two from people who know German.What I didn’t know, until recently, is that the name saved my life (well, actually, my father’s life and, by extension, mine).Wh …
This weekend we “fall back” - - resetting our clocks as daylight savings time ends.This semi-annual adjustment will spur the semi-annual focus and discussion about daylight savings and its effect on our lives, health and routines. We will wonder about legislation that proposes to make daylight savings permanent.Some will endure the change with grea …
The other day I received a FaceTime call from my two-and-a-half year old granddaughter (with the help of her mother, my daughter).I was in my office and offered to show her around the office.My daughter loved the nostalgic mementos on the shelves and walls. My granddaughter marveled at how messy my desk was. She jumped at the suggestion that she co …
As we approach this weekend, we follow weather forecasts and wonder “rain or shine?” Will this be the seventh weekend in a row that is “rained out”? Perhaps rendered numb by the past weekends, (or are we wiser and learning to adapt?) we move ahead with our plans —- Rain or Shine.
