I am writing on Monday so – it’s tomorrow. Really, by the time this posts the new school year will have already begun, at least in my town.    

Having had an unexpectedly hectic summer, my husband and I decided to look into taking a quick, low cost, get away this weekend. We looked into various road trips as well as places that were a short flight away. I was shocked as to how inexpensive it would be to fly to Orlando. Hotel prices were equally inexpensive. Apparently, as school starts here this week and has already started in Florida, Orlando is not a popular Labor Day destination.  

It was not quite going on the disabled list. But when the device I relied on for some 24 months went dark, it unnerved some. After all the following week would be busy. At the time, 11 days were left in a Primary re-election race I am guiding for a friend who serves with distinction and great energy in public office. I had my iPhone and iPad but I really rely on my Mac. My wife suggested I have two devices; something I need to think about now.

If one of your closest friends was going to get a serious elective medical procedure and you strongly didn't want them to do it...how far would/should you go to dissuad them?  

I noticed that as a result of the merger of Whole Foods and Amazon it was announced that Whole Foods would reduce its prices.  I understand that Whole Foods is more expensive than other food outlets, supposedly due to superior quality.  I must admit that I am not the family shopper.  Joanne is and she's loyal to Whole Foods, especially the meat, but now she's apprehensive re an inevitable fall off in quality or return to higher price.   I thought this was why we have anti trust laws. 

There's a great (and famous) diner in Vineyard Haven, Martha's Vineyard. It's been around since the 1940's where Art and Cliff parked their truck on a lot a few hundred feet from Five Corners. The decor is reminiscent of the era of the diner's birth and the metallic menu signs over the counter offer such specialties as "Tendernived Steak" for $1.25. Unfortunately, but understandably, the menu that the waitstaff presents as you are seated offers a different fare and different prices. And there are words of wisdom on the menu..."Keep your words sweet.

It’s almost that time. The time you heard about but chose to ignore or disregard because it did not apply to you, to your family. But it does apply, now. Not only do you have to accept it, but also you have to take many proactive steps to make it all happen. You have to shop and pack and prepare your first child for college -- to leave for college, to leave.  

  We aren’t accustomed to this type of news in my neighborhood.