Today is Friday the end of the week and the beginning of the long Memorial Day weekend. Actually when one is retired long weekends have no real meaning except that there are more people at places that usually are fairly quiet.
Today being the last business day before my trip I was pretty busy. I usually handle my money things on this day and today was no exception. I went to the bank to take money out for the trip. I also called my credit card companies to advise them that their card will be used outside the country. Meaning don't embarrass me by shutting down any of the cards because it is being used in a peculiar location.
It already happened and it was pretty inconvenient.
It was very interesting. One bank card went through very easily while the other bank asked so many questions that I almost hung up on them I was so frustrated.
Actually, as I noted at the beginning it is Friday night but against our habits we are in Queens. We will be going out to Manhattan Beach on Saturday and plan to stay until Monday morning. Then home to get ready.
I don't think I will have to much opportunity to write while I am away, therefore this will be my last entry until the middle of June when I return.
On that note I wish everybody a good start of Summer.
Saturday, May 23, 2015
Friday, May 22, 2015
Thursday
When I was a young boy at home my maternal grandfather was alive. Actually, I knew him pretty well and being his only grandson or grandchild I think he really loved me. He was retired and as far as I know he was retired from the time I was born. I seem to remember him almost always polishing his shoes.
This stayed with me so much that I was convinced that retired people always shine their shoes. So sometime last year I decided that since I was retired I might as well shine my shoes. I can't say it was much fun but I did it anyway. The problem was that after I finished the apartment smelled like a shoe polish factory.
As I said it was sometime last year and I figured that since I am going away I should get my shoes shined. But I decided they won't get done by me. So, I went to my shoemaker and asked if he would do it. He has the machine and he said he would. I gave him four pair of shoes and he fixed a few and also polished all of them. Now they all look very spiffy.
Right now my love is standing next to me and my hand is on Her gorgeous behind caressing it while I am kissing Her beautiful boobs! This is the beginning of our farewell process.
Understandingly I can't write anymore!
This stayed with me so much that I was convinced that retired people always shine their shoes. So sometime last year I decided that since I was retired I might as well shine my shoes. I can't say it was much fun but I did it anyway. The problem was that after I finished the apartment smelled like a shoe polish factory.
As I said it was sometime last year and I figured that since I am going away I should get my shoes shined. But I decided they won't get done by me. So, I went to my shoemaker and asked if he would do it. He has the machine and he said he would. I gave him four pair of shoes and he fixed a few and also polished all of them. Now they all look very spiffy.
Right now my love is standing next to me and my hand is on Her gorgeous behind caressing it while I am kissing Her beautiful boobs! This is the beginning of our farewell process.
Understandingly I can't write anymore!
Thursday, May 21, 2015
Wendnesday
It is very interesting how time changes everything as time goes by. Today I heard on the news that Fleet Week starts in New York this week, being Memorial Day weekend. This is an annual occurrence when military ships from many countries converge in New York, parade up and down the Hudson River then they dock.
I thought back that when I worked in the World Trade Center we saw these ships from our 91st floor windows. The last time I saw them was 2001 because after this date 9/11 happened. It just made me think how one's life changes in years time.
Something else.
Today we went to the circus. I bought tickets to the Big Apple Circus that plays out here by us in a very large park. It was very interesting because this is the way a circus should be. Under a gigantic tent, one ring. Not three like Barnum & Bailey and people don't know what to watch because there is action in every ring.
This was like a small town traveling circus but regardless it was cute. No spectacular acts but enough to awe the audience. There were trapeze artists, contortionists, a clown, animal acts where there was even a goat and a few other interesting numbers.
The show lasted about an hour and a half but we still had a good time. Abigail was totally surprised because this was the first time she ever been to a circus.
I'm such a nice guy for buying these surprise tickets.
I thought back that when I worked in the World Trade Center we saw these ships from our 91st floor windows. The last time I saw them was 2001 because after this date 9/11 happened. It just made me think how one's life changes in years time.
Something else.
Today we went to the circus. I bought tickets to the Big Apple Circus that plays out here by us in a very large park. It was very interesting because this is the way a circus should be. Under a gigantic tent, one ring. Not three like Barnum & Bailey and people don't know what to watch because there is action in every ring.
This was like a small town traveling circus but regardless it was cute. No spectacular acts but enough to awe the audience. There were trapeze artists, contortionists, a clown, animal acts where there was even a goat and a few other interesting numbers.
The show lasted about an hour and a half but we still had a good time. Abigail was totally surprised because this was the first time she ever been to a circus.
I'm such a nice guy for buying these surprise tickets.
Wednesday, May 20, 2015
Tuesday
As I mentioned a few days ago a rapper was shot in my neighborhood. Today they put up posters in the area looking for information. The police is promising $2500 for leads.
I think this is a pretty chintzy offer. How can they offer such a small amount for information of a murder?
The place where this guy died is now filled with hundreds of candles, flowers and other memorabilia. Always there is a crowd gathering around the site. They are very quiet and other than playing his music there is no noise.
It is very interesting and sad to see such a sight. Before this occurrence I only saw such things on television.
Something else.
It is amazing how much food one can get in a diner. Tonight we didn't eat at home but went out to have dinner in our neighborhood diner. They gave us so much food the more than half of it was brought home. This way we all have stuff left over for tomorrow.
Low price and lots of food, not a bad deal. Maybe it is not a connoisseur's dream but it still is good enough to eat.
I think this is a pretty chintzy offer. How can they offer such a small amount for information of a murder?
The place where this guy died is now filled with hundreds of candles, flowers and other memorabilia. Always there is a crowd gathering around the site. They are very quiet and other than playing his music there is no noise.
It is very interesting and sad to see such a sight. Before this occurrence I only saw such things on television.
Something else.
It is amazing how much food one can get in a diner. Tonight we didn't eat at home but went out to have dinner in our neighborhood diner. They gave us so much food the more than half of it was brought home. This way we all have stuff left over for tomorrow.
Low price and lots of food, not a bad deal. Maybe it is not a connoisseur's dream but it still is good enough to eat.
Tuesday, May 19, 2015
Monday.
Today is Monday and the time is approaching for my departure. Years ago when we traveled we had a very accurate schedule reaching back a few weeks about getting ready. This time that I am planning my trip I only beginning to take it seriously now.
This morning I took some stuff to the cleaners, during the week I still have to buy some toiletries. I have to get my electronics in order along with the proper chargers.
Some years ago I went to St. Maarten and just as I unpacked I realized I forgot my cell phone charger. Ran down like a maniac and fortunately there was a Radio Shack nearby who carried the necessary charger so I was saved.
Two other times I forgot to pack my pajamas. Once in a trip to Budapest once on a trip to St. Maarten. Budapest was easy but to find man's pajamas in St. Maarten was not an easy task.
So it is understandable that I am a little ancy about my packing.
Also the clothing. We are leaving from currently hot and humid New York to arctic Stockholm and then on to hot Budapest. Meaning that selecting the right type of clothing is not the easiest thing in the world.
But knowing me I will prevail. Beside my GF is here to help me out.
This morning I took some stuff to the cleaners, during the week I still have to buy some toiletries. I have to get my electronics in order along with the proper chargers.
Some years ago I went to St. Maarten and just as I unpacked I realized I forgot my cell phone charger. Ran down like a maniac and fortunately there was a Radio Shack nearby who carried the necessary charger so I was saved.
Two other times I forgot to pack my pajamas. Once in a trip to Budapest once on a trip to St. Maarten. Budapest was easy but to find man's pajamas in St. Maarten was not an easy task.
So it is understandable that I am a little ancy about my packing.
Also the clothing. We are leaving from currently hot and humid New York to arctic Stockholm and then on to hot Budapest. Meaning that selecting the right type of clothing is not the easiest thing in the world.
But knowing me I will prevail. Beside my GF is here to help me out.
Monday, May 18, 2015
Sunday
Today was Sunday and I mean was because the day is over when I am writing these lines. It was a very busy day that was almost non stop from the beginning to the end.
The morning we woke at Manhattan Beach. Late morning we drove back to Queens to change our clothing because we had brunch with my bro-in-law and his wife. We went to a nice Greek restaurant in the middle of the City. After circulating a few times we were lucky enough to find a parking spot on the street.
We met, we drank and we ate. The food was pretty good. It was brunch food with Greek overtones but still we enjoyed it. There was a small jazz band playing in the background not too loud but good enough to permit conversation without screaming.
After brunch we had to drive out to Manhattan Beach to pick up Abigail and some stuff then drive back to Queens. Driving to Brooklyn would have been fairly easy if that huge auto carrier truck wouldn't have broken down in the middle of the highway and create a long-long backup. But eventually we made it.
Sunday morning about 3:15am there was a shooting in my neighborhood. It seems a rap artist was shot to death while sitting in his Porsche. When we got home around noon the area was filled with police. By night they were all gone. But the place where he died was filled with candles, flowers and people. Also several TV trucks were in the location.
The only good thing about this is that this shooting does not make my neighborhood bad because it looks like he was targeted and it just happened here where we live.
The morning we woke at Manhattan Beach. Late morning we drove back to Queens to change our clothing because we had brunch with my bro-in-law and his wife. We went to a nice Greek restaurant in the middle of the City. After circulating a few times we were lucky enough to find a parking spot on the street.
We met, we drank and we ate. The food was pretty good. It was brunch food with Greek overtones but still we enjoyed it. There was a small jazz band playing in the background not too loud but good enough to permit conversation without screaming.
After brunch we had to drive out to Manhattan Beach to pick up Abigail and some stuff then drive back to Queens. Driving to Brooklyn would have been fairly easy if that huge auto carrier truck wouldn't have broken down in the middle of the highway and create a long-long backup. But eventually we made it.
Sunday morning about 3:15am there was a shooting in my neighborhood. It seems a rap artist was shot to death while sitting in his Porsche. When we got home around noon the area was filled with police. By night they were all gone. But the place where he died was filled with candles, flowers and people. Also several TV trucks were in the location.
The only good thing about this is that this shooting does not make my neighborhood bad because it looks like he was targeted and it just happened here where we live.
Sunday, May 17, 2015
Saturday
In the middle of this past week I called up my cable provider and asked them why was my monthly cable TV bill so high. Actually I took a copy of my friend's bill and compared the two services. That was when I saw the big differences in the detailed pricing.
Their explanation was that the two can not be compared. It is like apple and oranges. He might be receiving certain promotions while I was not. Anyway, they talked their way out of it.
However the lady I spoke to seemed nice and told me she might be able to do something about lowering my bill.
Bottom line was I received a new high speed modem and a new much better cable box, one can record shows. Also a whole bunch of pay stations like HBO and some more for no additional charge.
And, she said that at the same time my bill would be about $30 a month less. Sounds too good to be true but I went for it anyway.
Today the technician was here and installed the new stuff. It remains to be seen how good this thing is.
I learned a long time ago that one can not get anything for free. One way or another they will get me, I know. But right now I am bathing in the joy of how thrifty I am.
Their explanation was that the two can not be compared. It is like apple and oranges. He might be receiving certain promotions while I was not. Anyway, they talked their way out of it.
However the lady I spoke to seemed nice and told me she might be able to do something about lowering my bill.
Bottom line was I received a new high speed modem and a new much better cable box, one can record shows. Also a whole bunch of pay stations like HBO and some more for no additional charge.
And, she said that at the same time my bill would be about $30 a month less. Sounds too good to be true but I went for it anyway.
Today the technician was here and installed the new stuff. It remains to be seen how good this thing is.
I learned a long time ago that one can not get anything for free. One way or another they will get me, I know. But right now I am bathing in the joy of how thrifty I am.
Saturday, May 16, 2015
Friday
Car salesmen are one of the sleaziest bunch of people on the surface of earth. I have no car salesmen in my family or circle of friends so I can freely abuse them. They thrive on promises to the naïve buyer and as far they are concerned once the buyer walks out of the showroom they don't want to know anything further.
Case in point.
My GF bought a car in Florida and at the time they promised her everything under the sun. She bought a maintenance plan and a service plan for the new car. At the time of the purchase, earlier this year, she already lived here in the Northeast.
The salespeople swore on the bible that these plans are acceptable throughout the country wherever there is an authorized dealership or service.
This morning I took the car for service. It turned out there was nothing needed just an oil change and tire rotation. When I informed the service person about all the prepaid plans she already has I was informed that these plans were acceptable only in Florida.
When I argued I was told that I was not the first person with this kind of problem and be assured that there was nothing they could do. There was nothing I could do either but leave the car and get the service.
For a lousy oil change and tire rotation they charged around $110. This is Mitsubishi in case anybody is interested. I have a carwash close to me where they do pretty good oil change for $35 and they also throw in a free car wash.
I came home pretty worked up about this and wrote a letter to the dealership and asked them to refund my money. See what's going to happen.
Case in point.
My GF bought a car in Florida and at the time they promised her everything under the sun. She bought a maintenance plan and a service plan for the new car. At the time of the purchase, earlier this year, she already lived here in the Northeast.
The salespeople swore on the bible that these plans are acceptable throughout the country wherever there is an authorized dealership or service.
This morning I took the car for service. It turned out there was nothing needed just an oil change and tire rotation. When I informed the service person about all the prepaid plans she already has I was informed that these plans were acceptable only in Florida.
When I argued I was told that I was not the first person with this kind of problem and be assured that there was nothing they could do. There was nothing I could do either but leave the car and get the service.
For a lousy oil change and tire rotation they charged around $110. This is Mitsubishi in case anybody is interested. I have a carwash close to me where they do pretty good oil change for $35 and they also throw in a free car wash.
I came home pretty worked up about this and wrote a letter to the dealership and asked them to refund my money. See what's going to happen.
Friday, May 15, 2015
Thursday
Today is Thursday and it was a very busy day for me. Actually it was a non-stop day until tonight. But since I do like action therefore I am not complaining.
I got up at 6:55, got ready and around 7:45 Abigail and I took off to her school. Around 11 am I picked up my GF from her beauty parlor appointment and went to visit my aging friend. We stayed there for a while then went out to a have some lunch.
Around 3 pm we picked up Abigail at her school and went home. At this point the day was far from over. By 5 pm we drove the little girl back to her school because today was their Drama Spring Showcase which started at 6 pm. To kill time her mother and I went into a nearby pastry shop for some good stuff.
The school show started promptly at 6 and lasted one hour. here were scenes from Mary Poppins, Annie, The Sound of Music, Aladdin, West Side Story and Grease.
These presentations were by 6, 7 and 8 graders who are in their drama classes. Abigail was part of the West Side Story cast and naturally her mother and I got excited when we saw her on the stage. She sang nice and I really enjoyed the show.
I never been to a school happening before in this country so this was a new but not an unpleasant experience.
After the show we took the diva to a pastry shop and later went out to dinner to celebrate the birth of a new star.
I got up at 6:55, got ready and around 7:45 Abigail and I took off to her school. Around 11 am I picked up my GF from her beauty parlor appointment and went to visit my aging friend. We stayed there for a while then went out to a have some lunch.
Around 3 pm we picked up Abigail at her school and went home. At this point the day was far from over. By 5 pm we drove the little girl back to her school because today was their Drama Spring Showcase which started at 6 pm. To kill time her mother and I went into a nearby pastry shop for some good stuff.
The school show started promptly at 6 and lasted one hour. here were scenes from Mary Poppins, Annie, The Sound of Music, Aladdin, West Side Story and Grease.
These presentations were by 6, 7 and 8 graders who are in their drama classes. Abigail was part of the West Side Story cast and naturally her mother and I got excited when we saw her on the stage. She sang nice and I really enjoyed the show.
I never been to a school happening before in this country so this was a new but not an unpleasant experience.
After the show we took the diva to a pastry shop and later went out to dinner to celebrate the birth of a new star.
Thursday, May 14, 2015
Wednesday
Today is Wednesday, the day is almost over and I or rather we had a very nice day. The morning was very brisk bordering on the cool side. I spent the morning doing a lot of not much. But around noon we started off to New Jersey.
It was a pleasant drive, didn't take long. Actually we only went to the Crematorium which is not a great distance away. After the visit we took a leisurely drive back.
At Edgewater we stopped at the waterfront and walked around the banks of the Hudson River. The view from the Jersey side is fantastic. Looking at Manhattan in that angle is nice. We saw wild ducks and wild geese and they all are very friendly.
After the stroll at the river we went into a Japanese supermarket. I was extremely interesting because with the exceptions of a few American staple they really only sell stuff from Japan. It was a good thing that the stuff is labelled in two languages otherwise we wouldn't know what we buy because we did buy some things.
There were a couple of interesting things we did notice. One, that the entire establishment was spic and span clean. The other was that there were several eating establishment located inside the supermarket.
These places had their menus practically modelled and displayed and they all looked very appetizing. We decided to have lunch there and the selection was not easy. But we eventually chose what we wanted to eat and the food was really good. The seating area was clean so we did have a good time.
Oh, and it was pretty inexpensive.
It was a pleasant drive, didn't take long. Actually we only went to the Crematorium which is not a great distance away. After the visit we took a leisurely drive back.
At Edgewater we stopped at the waterfront and walked around the banks of the Hudson River. The view from the Jersey side is fantastic. Looking at Manhattan in that angle is nice. We saw wild ducks and wild geese and they all are very friendly.
After the stroll at the river we went into a Japanese supermarket. I was extremely interesting because with the exceptions of a few American staple they really only sell stuff from Japan. It was a good thing that the stuff is labelled in two languages otherwise we wouldn't know what we buy because we did buy some things.
There were a couple of interesting things we did notice. One, that the entire establishment was spic and span clean. The other was that there were several eating establishment located inside the supermarket.
These places had their menus practically modelled and displayed and they all looked very appetizing. We decided to have lunch there and the selection was not easy. But we eventually chose what we wanted to eat and the food was really good. The seating area was clean so we did have a good time.
Oh, and it was pretty inexpensive.
Wednesday, May 13, 2015
Tuesday
I have been watching Dancing With The Stars since the beginning which is about ten years ago. The title is very misleading because the people who dance with the professional dancers are anything but stars. If they can undergo an eight to ten week rigorous training then they are either unemployed or just don't want to work or out of circulation has beens.
Anyway the show goes at times from totally boring to mildly entertaining. The pros are worth anything. Their dancing and artistry is what make the show entertaining nd not the amateurs'.
This show which I think was the 20th had a veteran in it. The poor guy lost his left arm and left leg in Iraq in 2005 yet he was taking part in this competition.
I have to admit that he was good. Not excellent but good. He tried and many times he succeeded. He got good points and thus he went as far as now he is one of the three couples in the final competition.
And this is where the problem is. This guy's entire competing was built on the public's sympathy. The way the contestants move ahead is they take the judges' votes and the public's and the combination decides how these people move ahead.
The public vote is secret meaning the organizers can manipulate it any which way they want to. I am convinced that they manipulated the numbers in order to keep this person in the game. Lot better dancers than him lost out and have been removed in previous weeks. He is in because they feel they have to suck up to him and that is totally wrong.
I hope their decision will create some negative backlash.
Anyway the show goes at times from totally boring to mildly entertaining. The pros are worth anything. Their dancing and artistry is what make the show entertaining nd not the amateurs'.
This show which I think was the 20th had a veteran in it. The poor guy lost his left arm and left leg in Iraq in 2005 yet he was taking part in this competition.
I have to admit that he was good. Not excellent but good. He tried and many times he succeeded. He got good points and thus he went as far as now he is one of the three couples in the final competition.
And this is where the problem is. This guy's entire competing was built on the public's sympathy. The way the contestants move ahead is they take the judges' votes and the public's and the combination decides how these people move ahead.
The public vote is secret meaning the organizers can manipulate it any which way they want to. I am convinced that they manipulated the numbers in order to keep this person in the game. Lot better dancers than him lost out and have been removed in previous weeks. He is in because they feel they have to suck up to him and that is totally wrong.
I hope their decision will create some negative backlash.
Tuesday, May 12, 2015
Monday
Every time we come home, no matter from where we always come with packages. Regardless that we do weekly grocery shoppings there is always a need for something. That is why we always carry some shopping bags.
Sometimes it is not food but some clothing or whatever. I even remarked that it would be nice to come home once in a while without being loaded down with packages.
At least when we go to the Opera we come home in style. Nothing in our hands just each other hands and walking in like normal human beings.
Well, that style ended just recently.
When we came out of the Opera last week we took the car out of the garage and drove around looking for a place to eat. We found our restaurant and parked the car not even a block away.
On the way to the restaurant we saw a sidewalk fruit stand which incidentally can be found all over Manhattan. We looked at his stuff and decided that the prices and the merchandise were just too good to let them go.
So on the way back from the restaurant we naturally did a little fruit shopping.
Final result, even from the Opera we came home with shopping bags in our hands.
Sometimes it is not food but some clothing or whatever. I even remarked that it would be nice to come home once in a while without being loaded down with packages.
At least when we go to the Opera we come home in style. Nothing in our hands just each other hands and walking in like normal human beings.
Well, that style ended just recently.
When we came out of the Opera last week we took the car out of the garage and drove around looking for a place to eat. We found our restaurant and parked the car not even a block away.
On the way to the restaurant we saw a sidewalk fruit stand which incidentally can be found all over Manhattan. We looked at his stuff and decided that the prices and the merchandise were just too good to let them go.
So on the way back from the restaurant we naturally did a little fruit shopping.
Final result, even from the Opera we came home with shopping bags in our hands.
Monday, May 11, 2015
Sunday
The last thing I would ever do is toot my own horn. But something happened Saturday afternoon and I have to mention it.
We went out to Manhattan Beach in order to spend the weekend in our hideaway. I would like to say that it was a nice ride but I can't because the traffic was awful. It seems that it does not matter which we drive there is always traffic. Anyway we eventually we got to our destination and there the search for parking place started. Eventually we did find one.
While unloading the car a middle aged man walks by with a cute little dog. Me liking cute little dogs started to talk to it. The man looked like a butcher. Fat head, no neck, big belly. But he was very friendly and started talking to us in some very strong European accent.
I quietly made some not very friendly comment about him but fortunately he didn't hear it. Suddenly he addressed us in Hungarian. It turned out he was from Transylvania and has been here in the states for about 42 years and lived next to the apartment building we went to.
He told us his name and asked for mine. All this in a very friendly manner. Somehow the talk turned to our ages and he said that he was sure he was older than me. I said I doubted it.
He turned out to be 62. When I told him I was 78 he didn't want to believe it. He asked me what drug I was using. I pointed to my GF and told him she was my drug.
We went out to Manhattan Beach in order to spend the weekend in our hideaway. I would like to say that it was a nice ride but I can't because the traffic was awful. It seems that it does not matter which we drive there is always traffic. Anyway we eventually we got to our destination and there the search for parking place started. Eventually we did find one.
While unloading the car a middle aged man walks by with a cute little dog. Me liking cute little dogs started to talk to it. The man looked like a butcher. Fat head, no neck, big belly. But he was very friendly and started talking to us in some very strong European accent.
I quietly made some not very friendly comment about him but fortunately he didn't hear it. Suddenly he addressed us in Hungarian. It turned out he was from Transylvania and has been here in the states for about 42 years and lived next to the apartment building we went to.
He told us his name and asked for mine. All this in a very friendly manner. Somehow the talk turned to our ages and he said that he was sure he was older than me. I said I doubted it.
He turned out to be 62. When I told him I was 78 he didn't want to believe it. He asked me what drug I was using. I pointed to my GF and told him she was my drug.
Sunday, May 10, 2015
Saturday
Today is Saturday and erroneously I titled yesterday's blog Thursday when it should have been Friday. Well, nobody is perfect even if I am convinced that I am.
Last night we had a good dinner in a neighborhood Applebee's on Manhattan Beach. I like this restaurant not just because they serve good food but because they have a drink called the Perfect Margarita. This drink is made with 1800 Reposado tequila, Cointreau and Grand Marnier and is slightly lemon flavored. In addition to the glass of drink it comes with a shaker filled with more margarita. This means one can get about three full size drinks out of this. If one lets the ice melt more even four drinks is a possibility.
We both like this drink so whenever we go to Applebee's this is what we order. And it goes with everything.
Last night she had blackened tilapia and I had a steak, oh and we had some salsa verde brisket nachos for appetizer. The only word I understood out of this entire description was brisket so I figured it couldn't be bad. It wasn't except that it was pretty hot since there were jalapeño pepper slices in it. But that was when the drinks came handy.
After dinner on the way home we went in to an ice cream parlor where they serve only soft ice cream or yogurt or whatever. There are handles in the wall and everybody fills their own cups with whatever flavor or flavors they like. At the end we pay by the weight. It's a sucker's place because it is very easy to be carried away by one's enthusiasm for the stuff. But at the end we have to pay for our enthusiasm.
Last night we had a good dinner in a neighborhood Applebee's on Manhattan Beach. I like this restaurant not just because they serve good food but because they have a drink called the Perfect Margarita. This drink is made with 1800 Reposado tequila, Cointreau and Grand Marnier and is slightly lemon flavored. In addition to the glass of drink it comes with a shaker filled with more margarita. This means one can get about three full size drinks out of this. If one lets the ice melt more even four drinks is a possibility.
We both like this drink so whenever we go to Applebee's this is what we order. And it goes with everything.
Last night she had blackened tilapia and I had a steak, oh and we had some salsa verde brisket nachos for appetizer. The only word I understood out of this entire description was brisket so I figured it couldn't be bad. It wasn't except that it was pretty hot since there were jalapeño pepper slices in it. But that was when the drinks came handy.
After dinner on the way home we went in to an ice cream parlor where they serve only soft ice cream or yogurt or whatever. There are handles in the wall and everybody fills their own cups with whatever flavor or flavors they like. At the end we pay by the weight. It's a sucker's place because it is very easy to be carried away by one's enthusiasm for the stuff. But at the end we have to pay for our enthusiasm.
Saturday, May 9, 2015
Friday
Last night we had a fabulous night of entertainment at the Opera. We saw Franz Lahar's The Merry Widow. Actually this is not an opera but an operetta and it was sung in English but we didn't mind this at all.
Even though real opera lovers might frown on this kind of entertainment thinking this besmirches the sanctity of opera still there was an almost full house.
I have seen this operetta before, my GF saw it also but still we just loved the familiar songs and the innocent humor of the entire play.
Before the start of the show we did some people watching and were very amused by the variety of ways people dressed. It is amazing to see women dressed in such a horrible way that even I can see how bad it is yet they are convinced that they look good. Again there were women in long gown and men in tuxedos and tails. Since I am going to the Opera I saw more men in tails then in my entire life.
After the opera we car out of the garage and went out to eat. I was told that right across the Lincoln Center there are several late night restaurants and it was true. Street parking was easy at that hour (10:45pm) and we went to P.J. Clarke's for a bite to drink and a sip of food. I mean the reverse. I had the best Bloody Mary ever and I did drink a lot of Bloody Marys.
We also had some food and finally about midnight set out for the old homestead. I like night driving. Much less traffic, one can cruise homebound at a respectable speed and also get home at a decent time.
By 1 am we were in bed and almost ready to sleep!
Even though real opera lovers might frown on this kind of entertainment thinking this besmirches the sanctity of opera still there was an almost full house.
I have seen this operetta before, my GF saw it also but still we just loved the familiar songs and the innocent humor of the entire play.
Before the start of the show we did some people watching and were very amused by the variety of ways people dressed. It is amazing to see women dressed in such a horrible way that even I can see how bad it is yet they are convinced that they look good. Again there were women in long gown and men in tuxedos and tails. Since I am going to the Opera I saw more men in tails then in my entire life.
After the opera we car out of the garage and went out to eat. I was told that right across the Lincoln Center there are several late night restaurants and it was true. Street parking was easy at that hour (10:45pm) and we went to P.J. Clarke's for a bite to drink and a sip of food. I mean the reverse. I had the best Bloody Mary ever and I did drink a lot of Bloody Marys.
We also had some food and finally about midnight set out for the old homestead. I like night driving. Much less traffic, one can cruise homebound at a respectable speed and also get home at a decent time.
By 1 am we were in bed and almost ready to sleep!
Friday, May 8, 2015
Thursday
Today is Thursday and until now it has been a very unquiet day.
Got up at 6:45, took Abigail to school. Got home took my GF to work. Got back. Went to the bank, went to the supermarket and the shoemaker and got back home.
11am I went to get a haircut. After the haircut met my GF and we went together to visit my elderly friend.
After the visit we went to lunch that turned out pretty good. Came home and stayed for about 11 1/2 minutes before we went to pick up Abigail at nearby friend's house.
Got home and took a shower. Now my GF is showering. And at the same time we are also relaxing.
As I probably mentioned earlier we are seeing The Merry Widow from Franz Lehar. I saw this operetta on stage and in film but it is never enough. Its opulence is breathtaking, the music is full of well known numbers. So, I am looking forward to a nice evening.
I'll tell more about the evening next time.
Got up at 6:45, took Abigail to school. Got home took my GF to work. Got back. Went to the bank, went to the supermarket and the shoemaker and got back home.
11am I went to get a haircut. After the haircut met my GF and we went together to visit my elderly friend.
After the visit we went to lunch that turned out pretty good. Came home and stayed for about 11 1/2 minutes before we went to pick up Abigail at nearby friend's house.
Got home and took a shower. Now my GF is showering. And at the same time we are also relaxing.
As I probably mentioned earlier we are seeing The Merry Widow from Franz Lehar. I saw this operetta on stage and in film but it is never enough. Its opulence is breathtaking, the music is full of well known numbers. So, I am looking forward to a nice evening.
I'll tell more about the evening next time.
Thursday, May 7, 2015
Wednesday
I live very close to main roads in Queens, New York and it is not unusual to hear and see various motor vehicles running on the streets with sirens blaring and multicolored lights flashing.
The rule is that cars in their way move over and allow these emergency vehicles to pass.
I agree to this rule and whenever I am involved I try to move out of their way. Ambulances are easy to identify, fire engines are easy to identify. Even marked police vehicles are easy to identify. The problem is with unmarked vehicles with lights flashing and sirens blaring.
In my are a there is a volunteer Jewish ambulance service who responds to many emergencies and many times they are on the scene before the regular ambulance service arrives.
I really don't know who is who when I hear the noise and see the lights. Is it police or is it somebody responding to a medical emergency. Oh, I didn't mention the unmarked police cars who only identify themselves when they put their lights on.
The other day I was driving home and not far from home there was a larger vehicle behind me with lights flashing. The good citizen that I am I cleared out of their way to let them answer the call for help.
I was very surprised to see when he got next to me that it was a plumber's truck. I wondered what kind of emergency they were responding to. A backed up toilet or a clogged up bathtub? I know they feel like emergencies to the people it is happening to but I have yet to see a plumber who will rush to any job.
The rule is that cars in their way move over and allow these emergency vehicles to pass.
I agree to this rule and whenever I am involved I try to move out of their way. Ambulances are easy to identify, fire engines are easy to identify. Even marked police vehicles are easy to identify. The problem is with unmarked vehicles with lights flashing and sirens blaring.
In my are a there is a volunteer Jewish ambulance service who responds to many emergencies and many times they are on the scene before the regular ambulance service arrives.
I really don't know who is who when I hear the noise and see the lights. Is it police or is it somebody responding to a medical emergency. Oh, I didn't mention the unmarked police cars who only identify themselves when they put their lights on.
The other day I was driving home and not far from home there was a larger vehicle behind me with lights flashing. The good citizen that I am I cleared out of their way to let them answer the call for help.
I was very surprised to see when he got next to me that it was a plumber's truck. I wondered what kind of emergency they were responding to. A backed up toilet or a clogged up bathtub? I know they feel like emergencies to the people it is happening to but I have yet to see a plumber who will rush to any job.
Wednesday, May 6, 2015
Tuesday
There came up a requirement where I had to prove my Jewishness. I needed some documentation saying that I am Jewish. I was totally convinced that I have a birth certificate somewhere here where they listed my religion. You see back then when I was born they listed that kind of details.
I looked everywhere in the apartment, in my safety deposit box and couldn't find a damn thing.
The only real proof that I have and had all my life, minus eight days does not seem to be acceptable.
So, I looked up the Budapest Jewish Central Agency (or something like that) and wrote them an e-mail. I figured I would be there in a few weeks maybe I could go in a pick up a copy.
I was totally flabbergasted when I received a reply in a day from a nice lady asking for information about me like date of birth, my mother's maiden name and telling me that they would be looking for it. Naturally I responded with the proper information.
This morning she answered back that the stuff was ready for my pickup for a nominal fee of about $8.
With the general bureaucracy rampant there this was a very pleasant surprise. I guess $8 goes a long way!
Something else.
Tonight we went out to dinner with some friends. There were the five of us and that means one was stag. Unfortunately my elder friend is a widower but I was glad he joined us. He doesn't have too many chances to go out and when we invited him he immediately accepted it. He doesn't want to go out with anybody except us and we start to look at him as part of our family.
This was an Italian restaurant and there was no shortage of food and good conversation. We had drinks, soups, salads and main courses. All of us ate well and interestingly none of us took any food home, meaning we all finished our portions.
My GF and I finished off a pitcher of sangria and that was gooood!
I like these midweek soirées.
I looked everywhere in the apartment, in my safety deposit box and couldn't find a damn thing.
The only real proof that I have and had all my life, minus eight days does not seem to be acceptable.
So, I looked up the Budapest Jewish Central Agency (or something like that) and wrote them an e-mail. I figured I would be there in a few weeks maybe I could go in a pick up a copy.
I was totally flabbergasted when I received a reply in a day from a nice lady asking for information about me like date of birth, my mother's maiden name and telling me that they would be looking for it. Naturally I responded with the proper information.
This morning she answered back that the stuff was ready for my pickup for a nominal fee of about $8.
With the general bureaucracy rampant there this was a very pleasant surprise. I guess $8 goes a long way!
Something else.
Tonight we went out to dinner with some friends. There were the five of us and that means one was stag. Unfortunately my elder friend is a widower but I was glad he joined us. He doesn't have too many chances to go out and when we invited him he immediately accepted it. He doesn't want to go out with anybody except us and we start to look at him as part of our family.
This was an Italian restaurant and there was no shortage of food and good conversation. We had drinks, soups, salads and main courses. All of us ate well and interestingly none of us took any food home, meaning we all finished our portions.
My GF and I finished off a pitcher of sangria and that was gooood!
I like these midweek soirées.
Tuesday, May 5, 2015
Monday
I knew the Turks occupied Hungary for only 150 years and not 400 as I wrote. I just wanted to see if anybody will correct me. And somebody did for which I am very grateful.
Now, it is Monday and so far nothing exciting happened for which I am also grateful.
Every morning when I wake up I am full of plans that I decide to do during the day. And, today was no exception. The sad reality is that out of those plans very little gets done. I am still lazy. I can sit front of this computer and eventually realize that hours went by and I accomplished absolutely nothing. Maybe honed my skill at playing solitaire or Mahjong.
Not that those are useless skills but knowing them will not help me cleaning the apartment or just getting my affairs in order. But now the weather is turning nice, there are blue skies above and warm spring air around. I could pay a short visit to the beach to get a little color. I also have things to take care of before I leave.
Now what is more important, a visit to the beach or taking care of things? Not an easy choice but since I like multitasking I'll deal with everything in its time.
Since I started to write the day came to a completion and thankfully things remained status quo.
Now, it is Monday and so far nothing exciting happened for which I am also grateful.
Every morning when I wake up I am full of plans that I decide to do during the day. And, today was no exception. The sad reality is that out of those plans very little gets done. I am still lazy. I can sit front of this computer and eventually realize that hours went by and I accomplished absolutely nothing. Maybe honed my skill at playing solitaire or Mahjong.
Not that those are useless skills but knowing them will not help me cleaning the apartment or just getting my affairs in order. But now the weather is turning nice, there are blue skies above and warm spring air around. I could pay a short visit to the beach to get a little color. I also have things to take care of before I leave.
Now what is more important, a visit to the beach or taking care of things? Not an easy choice but since I like multitasking I'll deal with everything in its time.
Since I started to write the day came to a completion and thankfully things remained status quo.
Monday, May 4, 2015
Sunday
As I mentioned Saturday on that night we had a date with the past The music past that is. We went to a doo wop concert.
I love doo wop music mainly because the songs they sing have melodies, they are understandable and they don't bark as pregnant dogs like today's singers do. Actually I do not like, I hate today's music.
Some of the music we heard was from before I came to this country and many were new after I got here. Since I worked from the beginning I never had much time to spend on such entertainment but I heard the songs on the radio and got to like them.
There were about six groups from yesteryear performing and every one of them was good, each received standing ovation from the audience. And believe me, to some of the audience members standing up was no easy task.
Easily my girlfriend was the youngest in the auditorium, I blended in.
Most of the groups performing had about one original member. I guess these people owned the name and that is how they survive. The additional members are maybe a slightly younger ones but they are all qualified for Medicare.
Looking at these performers I was thinking that they all looked like dentists, accountants, maybe engineers, without exception grandfathers. But none looked like singers or performers.
Regardless, they sang oldtime favorites and all sang well.
I have never been to a concert like this and I enjoyed myself immensely. Would like to see another one when the chance arises.
Maybe at one there will be dancing in the isles.
I love doo wop music mainly because the songs they sing have melodies, they are understandable and they don't bark as pregnant dogs like today's singers do. Actually I do not like, I hate today's music.
Some of the music we heard was from before I came to this country and many were new after I got here. Since I worked from the beginning I never had much time to spend on such entertainment but I heard the songs on the radio and got to like them.
There were about six groups from yesteryear performing and every one of them was good, each received standing ovation from the audience. And believe me, to some of the audience members standing up was no easy task.
Easily my girlfriend was the youngest in the auditorium, I blended in.
Most of the groups performing had about one original member. I guess these people owned the name and that is how they survive. The additional members are maybe a slightly younger ones but they are all qualified for Medicare.
Looking at these performers I was thinking that they all looked like dentists, accountants, maybe engineers, without exception grandfathers. But none looked like singers or performers.
Regardless, they sang oldtime favorites and all sang well.
I have never been to a concert like this and I enjoyed myself immensely. Would like to see another one when the chance arises.
Maybe at one there will be dancing in the isles.
Sunday, May 3, 2015
Saturday
Today is Saturday and tonight we are going to a concert. Its theme is Rock, Pop and Doowop from the 1950s and'60s.
I have never been to a concert like this and I'm very curious what it will be like. I saw many on television and did notice that the audience do get very involved so I hope this will be just as informal.
The concert is on Long Island with a few old groups participating. It also means that parking should not be a problem.
The next time I write I'll let you know what it was like.
Otherwise today was a very pleasant day. Last night we went to Manhattan Beach to spend the night there. For dinner we went to a Turkish restaurant where we had a very good dinner.
If my life would depend on it I would not be able to name what we had with the exception of the Turkish beer Effe. I know that she had chicken and I had lamb but the name of the courses I don't remember.
The important thing is that they were good and we liked them.
I told them that I was Magyar and Hungary lived under Ottoman rule for over 400 years and because of that I should receive some kind of restitution.
At the end they didn't charge for the beers. For me it was a reasonable thing for my 400 years of suffering.
I have never been to a concert like this and I'm very curious what it will be like. I saw many on television and did notice that the audience do get very involved so I hope this will be just as informal.
The concert is on Long Island with a few old groups participating. It also means that parking should not be a problem.
The next time I write I'll let you know what it was like.
Otherwise today was a very pleasant day. Last night we went to Manhattan Beach to spend the night there. For dinner we went to a Turkish restaurant where we had a very good dinner.
If my life would depend on it I would not be able to name what we had with the exception of the Turkish beer Effe. I know that she had chicken and I had lamb but the name of the courses I don't remember.
The important thing is that they were good and we liked them.
I told them that I was Magyar and Hungary lived under Ottoman rule for over 400 years and because of that I should receive some kind of restitution.
At the end they didn't charge for the beers. For me it was a reasonable thing for my 400 years of suffering.
Saturday, May 2, 2015
Friday
Today I got a real taste of family life. Not that I didn't taste it until now but this time was a little different.
My girlfriend and her little girl live with me almost full time now. Let's call the little girl Abigail. That is not her name but I really never mention any names to protect the innocent, as they say in the movies.
Well, Abigail is 12 and 12/13th years old very opinionated and self conscious. Every morning I wake her up around ten minutes past seven, prepare her breakfast and snacks for school and then around 7:45 I drive her to school. Dressing up and fixing hair is always a very important part of the morning routine.
I love doing this, it gives some purpose to my days and also start my days at a reasonably early hour. It also gives me more time to do not much during the day. Actually I also pick her up from school or from visiting friends at different times of the afternoon. Just the way she commands it!
The morning waking up is always a torturous affair. Abigail loves to sleep and many days I physically have to drag her off the sofa where she sleeps.
Last night she decided to get up early this morning because she wanted to curl her hair with an electric curler. Miracle of miracles at 6:45 she was walking into the bathroom all dressed and ready to work on the hair.
By the time I got up at seven she was still in the bathroom and when her mother got up a little bit later she was still in the bathroom curling. Like good family members we both patiently waited our turns to get to the bathroom until the beautification of Abigail was completed. Actually it took almost an hour.
When a little girl wants to go into the bathroom to fix herself up there is no possible emergency that will move her away from her assigned task. But when she needs the space we all have to jump.
Now that is family life as I see it.
My girlfriend and her little girl live with me almost full time now. Let's call the little girl Abigail. That is not her name but I really never mention any names to protect the innocent, as they say in the movies.
Well, Abigail is 12 and 12/13th years old very opinionated and self conscious. Every morning I wake her up around ten minutes past seven, prepare her breakfast and snacks for school and then around 7:45 I drive her to school. Dressing up and fixing hair is always a very important part of the morning routine.
I love doing this, it gives some purpose to my days and also start my days at a reasonably early hour. It also gives me more time to do not much during the day. Actually I also pick her up from school or from visiting friends at different times of the afternoon. Just the way she commands it!
The morning waking up is always a torturous affair. Abigail loves to sleep and many days I physically have to drag her off the sofa where she sleeps.
Last night she decided to get up early this morning because she wanted to curl her hair with an electric curler. Miracle of miracles at 6:45 she was walking into the bathroom all dressed and ready to work on the hair.
By the time I got up at seven she was still in the bathroom and when her mother got up a little bit later she was still in the bathroom curling. Like good family members we both patiently waited our turns to get to the bathroom until the beautification of Abigail was completed. Actually it took almost an hour.
When a little girl wants to go into the bathroom to fix herself up there is no possible emergency that will move her away from her assigned task. But when she needs the space we all have to jump.
Now that is family life as I see it.
Friday, May 1, 2015
Thursday
Today was very educational for me. You see, I have a carpet in the bedroom that is about 7'10" x 10'9" in size. It was bought several years ago not for much money and most of it is not visible because it is hidden by the bed.
We decided to buy a better looking and thicker carpet which brought up the question of what to do with the old one. I immediately said we shouldn't throw it out but try to give it away to a charity.
That is easier said than done. Half the morning was spent on calling one charity after another. It turned out that they are so selective that it really turned my stomach.
I called Goodwill and was told they didn't pick up anymore and they didn't take furniture and household items. I called a Jewish charity and was told they were not interested. It sounded like if it was not money they were not interested. I called the Veterans and was told no. I called a few others and they all said they were not taking rugs.
Actually the Jewish organization said they would take it only if it fitted into a washing machine. I said it would fit into a gigantic one!
Finally Salvation Army said they would accept it. The only problem was that if I wanted them to pick it up it couldn't be before June meaning I have to deliver it.
Aside from that the day was pretty good. We made arrangements for our Grand Canyon visit while we are in Las Vegas and we also reserved a table for us at the Stratosphere restaurant.
Something else.
Yesterday I decided, again to assemble that thing we bought for the bathroom and was missing some part and was replaced by another "sealed" box. I opened the box yesterday morning and started to put the thing together but noticed that a little package containing all the screws was missing. You can not imagine how pissed I was. Those frigging Chinese pay absolutely no attention to what they put in these packages.
I had to go to two different Bed, Bath and Beyond stores until I was able to find a good package. But now it is assembled and stands proud in the bathroom.
Since this was yesterday today was a good day.
We decided to buy a better looking and thicker carpet which brought up the question of what to do with the old one. I immediately said we shouldn't throw it out but try to give it away to a charity.
That is easier said than done. Half the morning was spent on calling one charity after another. It turned out that they are so selective that it really turned my stomach.
I called Goodwill and was told they didn't pick up anymore and they didn't take furniture and household items. I called a Jewish charity and was told they were not interested. It sounded like if it was not money they were not interested. I called the Veterans and was told no. I called a few others and they all said they were not taking rugs.
Actually the Jewish organization said they would take it only if it fitted into a washing machine. I said it would fit into a gigantic one!
Finally Salvation Army said they would accept it. The only problem was that if I wanted them to pick it up it couldn't be before June meaning I have to deliver it.
Aside from that the day was pretty good. We made arrangements for our Grand Canyon visit while we are in Las Vegas and we also reserved a table for us at the Stratosphere restaurant.
Something else.
Yesterday I decided, again to assemble that thing we bought for the bathroom and was missing some part and was replaced by another "sealed" box. I opened the box yesterday morning and started to put the thing together but noticed that a little package containing all the screws was missing. You can not imagine how pissed I was. Those frigging Chinese pay absolutely no attention to what they put in these packages.
I had to go to two different Bed, Bath and Beyond stores until I was able to find a good package. But now it is assembled and stands proud in the bathroom.
Since this was yesterday today was a good day.
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