In a few hours Pope Benedict will join me as the Former Leader of___________.
While there is no comparison regarding our importance and level of responsibilities the feeling of remaining relevant might be the same. He gives up his Pope mobile, I gave up my Principal parking spot. He is no longer infallible, I never was! He was the boss of 1Billion Catholics, i was in charge of 500 kids and 1000 parents, I feel his pain.
He'll live in Castel Gandolfo in the Roman hills until his Vatican apartment is ready, I'll continue to live in Stamford, until we decide on our next move to NYC, a Florida gated community or assisted living, is that redundant?
He will be referred to as Pope emeritus, thanks to my Italian class I am not just a retired principal I can be known as UN PRESIDE DI SCUOLA ELEMENTARE IN PENSIONE, has a nice ring to it.
He will have to give up his Pope wardrobe just as I no longer where a sport jacket and tie. One word of advice Benedict, be careful you don't start hanging around the apartment in your papal sweets.
He'll aslos have to give up those red shoes. Here I have him beat, J still has her 5 inch candy apple red Weitzmans and when she wears them it's pretty close to a religious experience.
Pax Benedict
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Taking your work home
In the new economy you take what you can get when you need work.
Yesterday as we were driving on Park Avenue in the 100's I saw a man returning from work. He had his lunch pail and given that it was 4:15 I surmised that he was on his way home from a hard day in the currency market.
He was walking and talking to a friend and was wearing a sandwich board sign that said,
WE BUY GOLD!
I can understand why women go crazy for a man in uniform.
Yesterday as we were driving on Park Avenue in the 100's I saw a man returning from work. He had his lunch pail and given that it was 4:15 I surmised that he was on his way home from a hard day in the currency market.
He was walking and talking to a friend and was wearing a sandwich board sign that said,
WE BUY GOLD!
I can understand why women go crazy for a man in uniform.
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Amish on the Beach
I remember taken a trip to the Amish Country when I was a kid. My dad, cousin and I would take "Adventurer's Club" trips to lots of exotic places. Botanical gardens, Yankee Stadium, Kensico Dam, the Fontainbleau and Amish Country. Back in the 60's when we were touring, the Amish were a very secluded lot. No pictures, horse and buggies, walking, no electricity. A simple way of life and they seemed to be doing just fine.
Last month we were in Florida and we found a Amish enclave in the Sarasota area. An area of Amish furniture, quilts, bikes instead of cars and a Motel sign that probably didn't light up at night.
Those in Siesta Key and the Sarasota area are quick to tell you that the beach at Siesta Key has been voted the best beach in the US or is it the world?
Well it is quite beautiful with soft, talcum powder sand and expansive beach. While we were there we
noticed a group of three hip-hop looking boys sitting on a blanket and in fold up chairs, baseball caps turned backwards, droopy shorts, tattoos, and at least one of "da boys" had the beard of an Amish. They were either delinquent Amish or had a fetish for the girls they were with.
More surprisingly were the 3 girls were wearing long dresses, Amish head covers and were smoking cigarettes. They were also very attentive to the faux Amish boys.
The world is changing, the Amish on the beach seem to be giving up their horse and buggies for some good old boy and girl flirting, complete with tattoos.
Last month we were in Florida and we found a Amish enclave in the Sarasota area. An area of Amish furniture, quilts, bikes instead of cars and a Motel sign that probably didn't light up at night.
Those in Siesta Key and the Sarasota area are quick to tell you that the beach at Siesta Key has been voted the best beach in the US or is it the world?
Well it is quite beautiful with soft, talcum powder sand and expansive beach. While we were there we
noticed a group of three hip-hop looking boys sitting on a blanket and in fold up chairs, baseball caps turned backwards, droopy shorts, tattoos, and at least one of "da boys" had the beard of an Amish. They were either delinquent Amish or had a fetish for the girls they were with.
More surprisingly were the 3 girls were wearing long dresses, Amish head covers and were smoking cigarettes. They were also very attentive to the faux Amish boys.
The world is changing, the Amish on the beach seem to be giving up their horse and buggies for some good old boy and girl flirting, complete with tattoos.
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Your Call is important to us- RIGHT!
Trying to sign up for an adult course at the local Community College I called the prescribed number in the catalog.
Attempt #1- no answer, our hours are from .....
Attempt#2- no one is available to take your call......
Attempt#3- please listen as our menu has changed, does the menu ever change?
Attempt#4- Please stay on the line for the next available representative
Attempt#5- Please log onto our website for faster service
Website- You may only register on line is you have a valid student ID. You must register as a student to register on line
Attempt#6- drive to the school, talk to the registrar, pay with a check, your in, sometimes the tried and true is the best way.
Attempt #1- no answer, our hours are from .....
Attempt#2- no one is available to take your call......
Attempt#3- please listen as our menu has changed, does the menu ever change?
Attempt#4- Please stay on the line for the next available representative
Attempt#5- Please log onto our website for faster service
Website- You may only register on line is you have a valid student ID. You must register as a student to register on line
Attempt#6- drive to the school, talk to the registrar, pay with a check, your in, sometimes the tried and true is the best way.
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Some things will never change
A few weeks ago I wrote about the US Post Office and their line in the sand approach to trying to return as unused stamp.
Today I drove to the DMV, finally found a parking space in a lot that needed to be plowed, a mere 2 weeks after a snow storm. The modern building that was a showplace is showing its age and upon entering I remembered the impossible long lines and inefficiency of the place. There had to be no less than 350 people waiting on lines for service. Signage was confusing and there were a limited amount of people offering information or service. There was a glimmer of hope years ago, when you entered there was a greeter that asked if they could help. Must have been dreaming because there was no Information person in sight. You now have to wait on a line of approximately 50 people before you even got to ask your question. I ran from there as fast as I could and will be back for a second try tomorrow first thing. Well my first thing isn't theirs as the office doesn't open until 9:15 on Thursdays. Well perhaps those in line today will have been serviced by then.
So add the DMV to the Post Office and of course the City Office in Stamford that was closed for Lincoln's Birthday!
Notice a pattern of inefficiency?
Today I drove to the DMV, finally found a parking space in a lot that needed to be plowed, a mere 2 weeks after a snow storm. The modern building that was a showplace is showing its age and upon entering I remembered the impossible long lines and inefficiency of the place. There had to be no less than 350 people waiting on lines for service. Signage was confusing and there were a limited amount of people offering information or service. There was a glimmer of hope years ago, when you entered there was a greeter that asked if they could help. Must have been dreaming because there was no Information person in sight. You now have to wait on a line of approximately 50 people before you even got to ask your question. I ran from there as fast as I could and will be back for a second try tomorrow first thing. Well my first thing isn't theirs as the office doesn't open until 9:15 on Thursdays. Well perhaps those in line today will have been serviced by then.
So add the DMV to the Post Office and of course the City Office in Stamford that was closed for Lincoln's Birthday!
Notice a pattern of inefficiency?
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
The NPR-ing of America
Use to be that you had to relocate your radio in several nooks and crannies of the house and in several angles to pick up National Public Radio. Signals from NYC were difficult to hold in Stamford just 40 miles from the tower and after 8:00pm forget it.
Over the last few years things have changed and the FM and AM NYC stations were easier to get and did not require a contortionist body or foil on the antenna to hear Car Talk.
In the last 6 months things have changed yet again, The local Stamford station has gone NPR, the CT public station now uses the call letters NPR. There are NPR outlets on Long Island, Rhode Island and I'm sure the Virgin Islands. I never thought I'd say this but I am on This American Life overload.
When caused this embarrassment of riches, and this be careful what you wish for situation?
Can you have too much of Prairie Home Companion? In the words of Sarah, no fan of Public Radio, Palin, You betcha!
Over the last few years things have changed and the FM and AM NYC stations were easier to get and did not require a contortionist body or foil on the antenna to hear Car Talk.
In the last 6 months things have changed yet again, The local Stamford station has gone NPR, the CT public station now uses the call letters NPR. There are NPR outlets on Long Island, Rhode Island and I'm sure the Virgin Islands. I never thought I'd say this but I am on This American Life overload.
When caused this embarrassment of riches, and this be careful what you wish for situation?
Can you have too much of Prairie Home Companion? In the words of Sarah, no fan of Public Radio, Palin, You betcha!
Monday, February 18, 2013
Big City- Small Crowd
Last week I found myself in NYC without a date for dinner. J is attending an amazing class at MOMA on Monday nights and I drive her in. While she is there I visit with friends, relatives or see a movie. If any of you are in town on Monday and want to meet up just let me know.
Now that the Academy Award rush of movie releases is over I found myself with slim pickins. A new movie, Quartet, was playing at the Angelika, one off my favorite movie theatres. You really feel like a New Yorker there as people congregate early and have a coffee, read the paper and catch up on cultural
things in NY while milling around in comfy chairs in the lobby. A voice, reminiscent of an airport announcer instructed us to line up for the showing of Quartet. There was no line.
I took the escalator downstairs to the theatres and stopped by the refreshment stand for popcorn, then into theatre 6 for the show. I was the first one there and for several minutes the only one. Two couples joined me and then a single guy. That was it! With 8 million stories in the Naked City, Quartet could only muster 6 of us to tell its story to.
The movie is about retired musicians who live together in a home for musicians. Just like Rooney and whomever 80 years ago, they were going to "give the best darn show they ever saw" as they try to save the home from closing. The director is quite flamboyant with skull caps and flowing robes. Surprise, surprise they pull it off!
Oh well no harm done and perhaps there can be a sequel with the newly retired pope but he'll have to give up his costume.
Now that the Academy Award rush of movie releases is over I found myself with slim pickins. A new movie, Quartet, was playing at the Angelika, one off my favorite movie theatres. You really feel like a New Yorker there as people congregate early and have a coffee, read the paper and catch up on cultural
things in NY while milling around in comfy chairs in the lobby. A voice, reminiscent of an airport announcer instructed us to line up for the showing of Quartet. There was no line.
I took the escalator downstairs to the theatres and stopped by the refreshment stand for popcorn, then into theatre 6 for the show. I was the first one there and for several minutes the only one. Two couples joined me and then a single guy. That was it! With 8 million stories in the Naked City, Quartet could only muster 6 of us to tell its story to.
The movie is about retired musicians who live together in a home for musicians. Just like Rooney and whomever 80 years ago, they were going to "give the best darn show they ever saw" as they try to save the home from closing. The director is quite flamboyant with skull caps and flowing robes. Surprise, surprise they pull it off!
Oh well no harm done and perhaps there can be a sequel with the newly retired pope but he'll have to give up his costume.
Saturday, February 16, 2013
Check the date
Maybe the Mayans were off by a few months but the events of the last week sure give one pause that as they predicted the end may be near.
Last week the Pope threw in his red cap, saying he was too pooped to pope.
When your a pope your a pope for good, from your baptism to your hast hallelujah. Kind of like the Jets from Westside Story. He gave up, God's representative on earth has sent a message to us, I give up you guys are so far gone.
Then there is the story of the asteroid and the meteor that missed and hit the earth on the SAME day, YIKES!
The asteroid which we did know was coming missed us by 17,000 miles. What we didn't see coming was the meteor that hit in Siberia and caused 1000 injuries. A warning shot across our bow.
Tomorrow is Sunday, you might consider church and when you go outside, wear a helmet.
Last week the Pope threw in his red cap, saying he was too pooped to pope.
When your a pope your a pope for good, from your baptism to your hast hallelujah. Kind of like the Jets from Westside Story. He gave up, God's representative on earth has sent a message to us, I give up you guys are so far gone.
Then there is the story of the asteroid and the meteor that missed and hit the earth on the SAME day, YIKES!
The asteroid which we did know was coming missed us by 17,000 miles. What we didn't see coming was the meteor that hit in Siberia and caused 1000 injuries. A warning shot across our bow.
Tomorrow is Sunday, you might consider church and when you go outside, wear a helmet.
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Through the miracle.....
of Television.
I remember that phrase, used in TV commercials of the 50's, that's how old I am!
That statement can certainly be replaced with the words, .....the Internet. Truly amazing what is available as long as you can get a wifi signal, which is the 21st century equivalent of rabbit ears.
Early this morning I flipped open my iPad, hit the Netflix app icon and "tuned into" the continuously available mini-series made just for netflix subscribers, House of Cards. This political thriller tells the ugly tale of Frank Underwood, majority leader and aspiring President. It pulls no punches and is totally addictive. It is also adding another twist to the ever emerging options available.
Last night J and I watched our favorite weekly sitcom, Modern Family. However only 4 years after it began, it isn't all that modern. It is on weekly at the discretion of the network, well for now anyway. You can also catch episodes on the internet. The subject matter although very modern and groundbreaking in 2009 has been overtaken by same sex marriage, transgender equality and the prospects of the first lesbian mayor of NYC.
Like the commercial of the 60's said, Progress is our most important product.
I remember that phrase, used in TV commercials of the 50's, that's how old I am!
That statement can certainly be replaced with the words, .....the Internet. Truly amazing what is available as long as you can get a wifi signal, which is the 21st century equivalent of rabbit ears.
Early this morning I flipped open my iPad, hit the Netflix app icon and "tuned into" the continuously available mini-series made just for netflix subscribers, House of Cards. This political thriller tells the ugly tale of Frank Underwood, majority leader and aspiring President. It pulls no punches and is totally addictive. It is also adding another twist to the ever emerging options available.
Last night J and I watched our favorite weekly sitcom, Modern Family. However only 4 years after it began, it isn't all that modern. It is on weekly at the discretion of the network, well for now anyway. You can also catch episodes on the internet. The subject matter although very modern and groundbreaking in 2009 has been overtaken by same sex marriage, transgender equality and the prospects of the first lesbian mayor of NYC.
Like the commercial of the 60's said, Progress is our most important product.
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
3000 hits!
This is not about Derek Jeter's prowess with a bat but rather a thank you as we approach 3000 hits to my blog 7200 days......
Considering that there is a very limited audience for this site I am grateful to all who have taken the time to stop by.
I am looking to expand my audience and will be working on this in the next few weeks.
As for the Pope's decision to call it quits- say so long to the Prada Red slippers as you will have to live on a pension in a pensione in the "country" of the Vatican. And by the way what did he think when he was elected at age 78, that this would be a long term assignment? The Church is the one place where a person, long after the rest of us retire, can get a job with very cool shoes and a ______mobile.
Hopefully next time the college will go with someone that was born after WWII.
Considering that there is a very limited audience for this site I am grateful to all who have taken the time to stop by.
I am looking to expand my audience and will be working on this in the next few weeks.
As for the Pope's decision to call it quits- say so long to the Prada Red slippers as you will have to live on a pension in a pensione in the "country" of the Vatican. And by the way what did he think when he was elected at age 78, that this would be a long term assignment? The Church is the one place where a person, long after the rest of us retire, can get a job with very cool shoes and a ______mobile.
Hopefully next time the college will go with someone that was born after WWII.
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
It's only words
Tonight the President will offer his state of the union speech. Hopefully he will not drone on too long.
This will be followed by palabras from the newest GOP superstar, Marco (hispanic) Rubio.
And then for good measure the T party representative, Rand Paul or is it Paul Rand will offer his rebuttal of the GOP and Dem. offerings.
and as Mayor Bloomberg might say, "for our Spanish citizens... N O S O T R O S - N O- S O N -
F E L I Z
This will be followed by palabras from the newest GOP superstar, Marco (hispanic) Rubio.
And then for good measure the T party representative, Rand Paul or is it Paul Rand will offer his rebuttal of the GOP and Dem. offerings.
and as Mayor Bloomberg might say, "for our Spanish citizens... N O S O T R O S - N O- S O N -
F E L I Z
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Hunker down
Now that the snow storm of the century ( based on 13 years) has passed, we can all, except those in northeastern CT and on the tip of LI, can come out of hunker mode.
When did we start this hunker thing?
When I was younger and a storm approached we were told to "stay home". Now we have to hunker which causes a run on the grocery stores the day before the event. Coming but a week after the Super Bowl holiday shopping these two weeks have been quite a boon for the chip and other snacks companies.
Despite all the hand wringing and dire warnings of the approaching Nemo, Storm of the Century or Blizzard of 2013, NYC measured 8 inches in Central Park, 16 in Stamford and granted a whopping 38 inches in Stratford CT. not exactly monumental and if everyone had just stayed home, instead of needing to hunker, perhaps there wouldn't be so many stranded cars on the LIE. Apparently Boston also got hit pretty bad, well at least bad enough to show over and over on the weather channel, a wave coming over a retaining wall in Revere MA.
Depending on where you live you may or may not have experienced a Blizzard. To be blizzard worthy, the wind has to blow at a certain MPH and the temp was below a certain mark. Many of the TV alarmists tried desperately to raise the storm to Blizzard status, but it was a stretch.
You can also measure the severity of the storm by how the weatherman is dressed. Jacket and tie, no big thing. No jacket, things are getting interesting, rolled up sleeves, no jacket says I've been tracking the storm all night haven't seen my loved ones and we are in for a whopper. I also noticed that some of the weathermen and women, stayed on the job long into the day and evening. Very dedicated or are they afraid they'd lose their jobs to another weatherperson and there seems to be no shortage of these people?
With the NYC storm a bust the mayor gave a news conference, and despite being all over the TV during Sandy, Bloomberg had the look of, a press conference for this, REALLY!
Now that we are in clean up mode and the hunkering has subsided, the weather channel has moved onto the next earth moving event, and my favorite, Icy Mix, so go out today and let's get ready to Hunker.
When did we start this hunker thing?
When I was younger and a storm approached we were told to "stay home". Now we have to hunker which causes a run on the grocery stores the day before the event. Coming but a week after the Super Bowl holiday shopping these two weeks have been quite a boon for the chip and other snacks companies.
Despite all the hand wringing and dire warnings of the approaching Nemo, Storm of the Century or Blizzard of 2013, NYC measured 8 inches in Central Park, 16 in Stamford and granted a whopping 38 inches in Stratford CT. not exactly monumental and if everyone had just stayed home, instead of needing to hunker, perhaps there wouldn't be so many stranded cars on the LIE. Apparently Boston also got hit pretty bad, well at least bad enough to show over and over on the weather channel, a wave coming over a retaining wall in Revere MA.
Depending on where you live you may or may not have experienced a Blizzard. To be blizzard worthy, the wind has to blow at a certain MPH and the temp was below a certain mark. Many of the TV alarmists tried desperately to raise the storm to Blizzard status, but it was a stretch.
You can also measure the severity of the storm by how the weatherman is dressed. Jacket and tie, no big thing. No jacket, things are getting interesting, rolled up sleeves, no jacket says I've been tracking the storm all night haven't seen my loved ones and we are in for a whopper. I also noticed that some of the weathermen and women, stayed on the job long into the day and evening. Very dedicated or are they afraid they'd lose their jobs to another weatherperson and there seems to be no shortage of these people?
With the NYC storm a bust the mayor gave a news conference, and despite being all over the TV during Sandy, Bloomberg had the look of, a press conference for this, REALLY!
Now that we are in clean up mode and the hunkering has subsided, the weather channel has moved onto the next earth moving event, and my favorite, Icy Mix, so go out today and let's get ready to Hunker.
Friday, February 8, 2013
When will they ever learn?
Hero worship is as American as apple pie.
We fawn over our sports stars as if they were gods. However time and time again we come to find out they are only human with all the shortcomings of your accountant, dry cleaner or lawyer.
In the paper today there as an article about Waiting for Derek. The Yankee poster boy for the sports hero. It seems that before spring training officially begins, in two weeks, Derek arrives at the complex, sounds better than the ballpark, to do something for about 3 hours. The article never said what he does at the ballpark and since there are few other players around, you wonder if he shows up just to be seen.
Apparently word is passed that Derek is on route, security guards ready his parking spot, and the real die hard fans get the buzz that this might be the day that DJ grants them an autograph, from the drivers seat of his auto.
The guards order folks to line up, have their stuff ready to sign and if he should grant you a moment, "Say nothing. He doesn't want to know about your life, so don't ask him about his". All very reminiscent of the Soup Nazi.
The silver Benz with the tinted windows rolls into the complex lot, there is a bit of a stir but everyone is observant of the orders. One person did note as did I that DJ doesn't drive a Ford.
The car stops, the window rolls down and he signs 8-10 autographs. The 11th person having driven, probably in his Ford, from Orlando, is left hanging and disappointed. Right before he leaves, DJ asks are there any kids on the line and 2 young children are brought to see the King. He signs, no "where are you froms" or "why aren't you in school?"
Just Derek being Derek and the rest of us left to stand in line waiting for the next superhuman feat of grown men playing a child's game.
We fawn over our sports stars as if they were gods. However time and time again we come to find out they are only human with all the shortcomings of your accountant, dry cleaner or lawyer.
In the paper today there as an article about Waiting for Derek. The Yankee poster boy for the sports hero. It seems that before spring training officially begins, in two weeks, Derek arrives at the complex, sounds better than the ballpark, to do something for about 3 hours. The article never said what he does at the ballpark and since there are few other players around, you wonder if he shows up just to be seen.
Apparently word is passed that Derek is on route, security guards ready his parking spot, and the real die hard fans get the buzz that this might be the day that DJ grants them an autograph, from the drivers seat of his auto.
The guards order folks to line up, have their stuff ready to sign and if he should grant you a moment, "Say nothing. He doesn't want to know about your life, so don't ask him about his". All very reminiscent of the Soup Nazi.
The silver Benz with the tinted windows rolls into the complex lot, there is a bit of a stir but everyone is observant of the orders. One person did note as did I that DJ doesn't drive a Ford.
The car stops, the window rolls down and he signs 8-10 autographs. The 11th person having driven, probably in his Ford, from Orlando, is left hanging and disappointed. Right before he leaves, DJ asks are there any kids on the line and 2 young children are brought to see the King. He signs, no "where are you froms" or "why aren't you in school?"
Just Derek being Derek and the rest of us left to stand in line waiting for the next superhuman feat of grown men playing a child's game.
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Cruisin'
on a Sunday afternoon.
An old Rascals song came to mind last week while vacationing on the west coast of Florida.
We were lunching in St. Armand's Circle in Sarasota when a red Corvette pulled up to the traffic light.
As noted Corvettes are very popular with the seniors, must be that "hot dogs, apple pie and Chevrolet" mentality that permeates the west coast. Retirees in this part of the country come down I75 from Michigan and stop once the weather gets warm, right around Sarasota. There must be a significant number of GM retirees.
The car was beautiful and was driven by a gentleman of a certain age, probably 65+. I watched as he went around the circle, then saw him again and again and each time he passed as as he drove away I could hear BeeGee tunes including Stayin' Alive, the national anthem of South Florida.
An old Rascals song came to mind last week while vacationing on the west coast of Florida.
We were lunching in St. Armand's Circle in Sarasota when a red Corvette pulled up to the traffic light.
As noted Corvettes are very popular with the seniors, must be that "hot dogs, apple pie and Chevrolet" mentality that permeates the west coast. Retirees in this part of the country come down I75 from Michigan and stop once the weather gets warm, right around Sarasota. There must be a significant number of GM retirees.
The car was beautiful and was driven by a gentleman of a certain age, probably 65+. I watched as he went around the circle, then saw him again and again and each time he passed as as he drove away I could hear BeeGee tunes including Stayin' Alive, the national anthem of South Florida.
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Curl Up with a Book
J takes a great course on at MOMA. The teacher is a curator for the museum and according to her the font of all knowledge. She loves it!
We drive in together on the day of the course and I pick her up afterwards abut 9:30.
Recently I arrived before the end of the class and sat in my car across from the entrance on 54th street. The street has lovely town homes on it and at the end is the venerable University Club, for those who didn't have the grades to get into Harvard or the Club.
As I looked to my left I saw what appeared to be black garbage bags piled in front of a wrought iron and stately picket fence, guarding a mansion. As I looked closer I noticed a pair of eyes staring back at me. It was a homeless women all bundled in bags, her face protected from the very cold night. For all the time I was there, about 40 minutes she just sat, huddled in front of the gate. It was 9:00 at night and an entire night lay ahead. Is this what she does every night and how does she manage in what has become a very cold winter in NYC?
About ten minutes into it a very attractive, well dressed young woman approached the woman and placed a white plastic bag by her side. I don't know if words were exchanged and there was little acknowledgement from the seated woman. The young woman walked away and the bag stayed by her side. About 10 minutes elapsed and the woman picked up the bag and began to look through it. I assume it was food although I never saw the woman eat anything form the bag. I still wondered what would this woman do for the entire night, on the cold pavement in front of a 5-10 million dollar town house. With that she pulled out a paperback book and began to read. She moved the book until she was able to take advantage of the minimal street light, but there she was reading as if she was on the other side of the fence, inside the big house, having just chosen a book form the top shelf of her Library, cuddled by a fire for a cold winters read.
We drive in together on the day of the course and I pick her up afterwards abut 9:30.
Recently I arrived before the end of the class and sat in my car across from the entrance on 54th street. The street has lovely town homes on it and at the end is the venerable University Club, for those who didn't have the grades to get into Harvard or the Club.
As I looked to my left I saw what appeared to be black garbage bags piled in front of a wrought iron and stately picket fence, guarding a mansion. As I looked closer I noticed a pair of eyes staring back at me. It was a homeless women all bundled in bags, her face protected from the very cold night. For all the time I was there, about 40 minutes she just sat, huddled in front of the gate. It was 9:00 at night and an entire night lay ahead. Is this what she does every night and how does she manage in what has become a very cold winter in NYC?
About ten minutes into it a very attractive, well dressed young woman approached the woman and placed a white plastic bag by her side. I don't know if words were exchanged and there was little acknowledgement from the seated woman. The young woman walked away and the bag stayed by her side. About 10 minutes elapsed and the woman picked up the bag and began to look through it. I assume it was food although I never saw the woman eat anything form the bag. I still wondered what would this woman do for the entire night, on the cold pavement in front of a 5-10 million dollar town house. With that she pulled out a paperback book and began to read. She moved the book until she was able to take advantage of the minimal street light, but there she was reading as if she was on the other side of the fence, inside the big house, having just chosen a book form the top shelf of her Library, cuddled by a fire for a cold winters read.
Monday, February 4, 2013
The Boys
No trip to see J's dad would be complete without a visit to The Boys produce market. Just go up Linton and hang a right on Congress and there it is. A produce market with great prices on all things eatable. In addition there were always free samples of freshly cut oranges, grapefruit and strangely shaped melons. We'd generally make the run at the end of the day after discussing our need for more bananas. Al would relish in the fact that the produce was so fresh and the prices so cheap. And he was right.
The clientele at The Boys all looked old enough to be Betty White's high school classmates, without her spirit. Visiting The Boys made us swear we'd never become one of The Boys customers. But then last month there we were in Boca Del Vista (as we call it) and on our way to, you guessed it, The Boys! One of the issues with the place is that the parking lot is very compact and with lots of big, Crown Victoria type cars, this is a problem. Add to this the number of folks with walkers and oxygen tanks that have to let out by the front door and you have a major traffic jam at every turn.
As we pulled in a Honda was coming at us with the passenger door flapping in the warm south Florida air. HONK! HONK! "Lady your door is opened", warnings finally caught the attention of the driver of the winged Accord.
Once in the store we encountered a traffic jam of another kind, shopping carts and as the Yelp write up warns, don't wear Flip Flops if you value your toes. Steel toed combat boots are more appropriate for this version of shopping cart, bumper cars. Many seniors at TB use the place as an all you can eat buffet. Most mind their manners but all too often they disregard the rules of etiquette to grab a chip, slice or cheese square. Double dipping, while not allowed, is practiced. While tempted by the variety of choices, we focused on our list and made itr for the cashier.
Despite a glimpse of our future, we did manage to by 7 produce items and fresh squeezed OJ for $13.00! Oh no, one of the signs of old age, BBB, (bragging about bargain bananas).
The clientele at The Boys all looked old enough to be Betty White's high school classmates, without her spirit. Visiting The Boys made us swear we'd never become one of The Boys customers. But then last month there we were in Boca Del Vista (as we call it) and on our way to, you guessed it, The Boys! One of the issues with the place is that the parking lot is very compact and with lots of big, Crown Victoria type cars, this is a problem. Add to this the number of folks with walkers and oxygen tanks that have to let out by the front door and you have a major traffic jam at every turn.
As we pulled in a Honda was coming at us with the passenger door flapping in the warm south Florida air. HONK! HONK! "Lady your door is opened", warnings finally caught the attention of the driver of the winged Accord.
Once in the store we encountered a traffic jam of another kind, shopping carts and as the Yelp write up warns, don't wear Flip Flops if you value your toes. Steel toed combat boots are more appropriate for this version of shopping cart, bumper cars. Many seniors at TB use the place as an all you can eat buffet. Most mind their manners but all too often they disregard the rules of etiquette to grab a chip, slice or cheese square. Double dipping, while not allowed, is practiced. While tempted by the variety of choices, we focused on our list and made itr for the cashier.
Despite a glimpse of our future, we did manage to by 7 produce items and fresh squeezed OJ for $13.00! Oh no, one of the signs of old age, BBB, (bragging about bargain bananas).
Sunday, February 3, 2013
SUPER!
Today's the day, the unofficial holiday of the US, Superbowl Sunday.
When your team is not in the game then it becomes all about the commercials, the food and if you are a betting man, the office pool. Not being in any type of work environment neither J nor I are in the office pool.
So it is all about the food. Apparently we are not alone as the supermarkets were full of people these last 2 days. Lots of chips and dips in special displays. All kinds of wings and nachos for sale. Special deals from Papa John and Little Caesar, all in an effort to make the day very special. The game seldom if every lives up to the hype although as a casual fan I seem to remember some good games of late.
One thing about the game is the late start, it's kind of like waiting for the New Years Eve party. The hype started 2 weeks ago, the game starts at 6:30. Today as I watched a sports talk show, that had more commercial than talk, I noticed a pop up at the bottom of the screen, Spring Training 8 days! so let's get this party out of the way so that we can get on to things that remind me of spring, Baseball.
We might also do well to create 5 or 6 more of these pseudo-holiday feeding frenzies, as it is great for the economy!
When your team is not in the game then it becomes all about the commercials, the food and if you are a betting man, the office pool. Not being in any type of work environment neither J nor I are in the office pool.
So it is all about the food. Apparently we are not alone as the supermarkets were full of people these last 2 days. Lots of chips and dips in special displays. All kinds of wings and nachos for sale. Special deals from Papa John and Little Caesar, all in an effort to make the day very special. The game seldom if every lives up to the hype although as a casual fan I seem to remember some good games of late.
One thing about the game is the late start, it's kind of like waiting for the New Years Eve party. The hype started 2 weeks ago, the game starts at 6:30. Today as I watched a sports talk show, that had more commercial than talk, I noticed a pop up at the bottom of the screen, Spring Training 8 days! so let's get this party out of the way so that we can get on to things that remind me of spring, Baseball.
We might also do well to create 5 or 6 more of these pseudo-holiday feeding frenzies, as it is great for the economy!
Saturday, February 2, 2013
The Old Vic
No not the theatre in London, but the nickname for the Ford Crown Victoria, the preferred mode of transportation for all those over 80 and "living" in Florida. Well I can report that the Crown has been passed to Bentleys, Cadillacs and Corvettes. I guess the retirees of the Good War generation, those who relished the room of the Crown, the bigness of it and couldn't afford or see the reason for a Lincoln, are dying off. They are being replaced by tail end of the greatest generation and the baby boomers who either have more money to spend or want to make one last statement before they leave this world. So baby blue Bentley convertibles, STS 21st century looking sleek Caddies, or the I always wanted a red corvette crowd are alive and well in Delray, Boca and points west like Naples and Sarasota.
V for Victoria!
V for Victoria!
Friday, February 1, 2013
Miss me?
I have been on vacation in sunny Florida and am now back to renew my blog. Trying to write from 1200 miles from my desktop proved to be a difficult undertaking plus I've been told not to give up much of your personal life, like we are not home, to cyberspace. While my circle of friends is quite small and only a select few can read about my adventures in retirement, you can't take any chances.
Now that I'm back I will report out on my first long stay in God's waiting room, aka South Florida.
What I will say is that it was great to be out of the cold northeast during the freeze that lasted about 2 weeks.Timing is everything.
Upon my return I sat for a better part of the morning to pay bills. I noticed that my XM Sirius radio bills have come due for our 2 cars. $298 for 1 year! That is outrageous so I called to cancel one of the subscriptions, spoke to 2 representatives with very heavy out-sourced accents and when all was said and done got the second subscription for 1/2 price. Still a lot for not a lot of content but like the money I saved on switching to generic shave cream, it is a savings.
Signed
Frugal in retirement
Now that I'm back I will report out on my first long stay in God's waiting room, aka South Florida.
What I will say is that it was great to be out of the cold northeast during the freeze that lasted about 2 weeks.Timing is everything.
Upon my return I sat for a better part of the morning to pay bills. I noticed that my XM Sirius radio bills have come due for our 2 cars. $298 for 1 year! That is outrageous so I called to cancel one of the subscriptions, spoke to 2 representatives with very heavy out-sourced accents and when all was said and done got the second subscription for 1/2 price. Still a lot for not a lot of content but like the money I saved on switching to generic shave cream, it is a savings.
Signed
Frugal in retirement
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