Do you have Real ID?The restrictions on domestic air travel without Real ID are finally going into effect on May 7th.When the topic came up with friends at dinner the other night, I cautiously removed my driver’s license from my wallet. I had no recollection of the last renewal and, in the dim light of the restaurant I couldn’t make out any of its …
My wife and I love exploring the New England area in the Fall for a weekend get away. This year we may switch it up and "Spring" out of town for a few days. We've been fortunate to have visited Bar Harbor, ME [favorite], Portsmouth, NH, Salem, MA, Burlington, VT, Kenoza, NY, Beacon, NY, and Lake George, NY over the years. Looking for a new recommen …
We spent this past weekend in Chicago. The Schess clan converged on the city and spent the weekend celebrating all sorts of wonderful things in our world. But, I digress. I have never spent any time in Chicago, and I am now a fan. We were in a part of town called South Loop, walking distance to the lake, multiple museums, restaurants, bars and …
Lately I have been exploring meditation and yoga. During every session, the instructor asks the participants to set an intention for the day or think of a word that will guide us through our day. Almost every time the word “balance,” comes to my mind. In our hectic, continuously plugged in life finding balance can be an elusive goal. I have been …
Last week we enjoyed two proud parent moments. Both involved my daughter. I posted to X about the first. Marisa authored an op-ed for the American Jewish Committee ("AJC") that appeared in the Albany Times-Union. It was placed there because the target audience serve as members of the New York State Assembly and New York State Senators. The op …
At Gotham Golf this past week it was such a pleasure seeing my networking friends in person; Rosalia, Ray, Brad, Jeff, Rich, Ryan, and Steve. It occurred to me that getting lost in a sea of screens and digital interactions is easy. What's harder is getting out and meeting people face to face. We need to remember the power of human connection. L …
Joanne, Charcoal and I annually "snowbird" in Key West, the southern most point of the continental United States and home of mile marker 0 on the US-1 highway. My birthday is in two days and, as per our 10 year tradition, we memorialized it by photo opping at the appropriate mile marker (Leigh Connell picture). Our friends Leigh and Jim Connell hav …
I dropped Flo off and was looking for a spot to park in the restaurant’s lot. After waiting patiently behind a car blocking the way, I noticed a spot in a next row.I made my way and turned into that row, but was blocked by another car. The driver was looking down at his cell phone.Without looking up, he started forward — toward me.I beeped and he f …
Most of us know when there is tension and stress in your life, there comes a point where you must unwind and take a break. Well I did that last week. My family and I just got back from a weeklong cruise where I disconnected with the world except for those around me. I had no internet or phone service. It was a bit difficult at first, but I got used …
I am going through a stage right now where several of my regular doctors are retired or retiring. Most often, they are breaking the pact we made where they promised not to retire until I offered my approval – but let’s move on from there. The net result is meeting new healthcare providers and the opportunity to compare and vet bedside manner. …
I have written several blogs about ads for certain products “magically” appearing on my Facebook or Instagram feed after I spoke about them. For example, a Van Cleef & Arpels ad had popped up on my Instagram feed after my son and I discussed a necklace he was thinking of purchasing. I questioned, in those blogs, whether my devices were actuall …
A new milestone appears within reach. Four decades together for Rachelle and this commentator. Actual date is tomorrow. Sometimes it meant taking in a Broadway show; occasionally a concert. Last year we dined out for brunch with our children. This year, the kids plan gathering here at Grand Junction (as Marisa named this abode on FourSquare years a …
This is an actual conversation: Starbucks employee: Hi...welcome to Starbucks what can I get started for you? Me: I'd like an iced grande black tea lemonade, No sugar please Starbucks employee: With sugar? Me: No...noooo sugar please Starbucks employee: (no response for a couple of seconds) Sorry we are out of black tea Me: Really ?!?! …
I admit it, I spend an inordinate amount of time, pre sun up to post sun down, on my Key West front porch observing and engaging with the passers by. We are situated on an intersection corner and there is multidirectional incoming traffic enhanced by lots of southern hospitality inspired "Good Mornings" which pave the way for easy conversational …
