The Miracle Cure-All

One of the perks of growing up with Ma Bell in Chicago was the endless supply of telephone ointment.  It was a staple in our home and used for every conceivable skin ailment.  It's packaged a little differently these days, but still readily available and used frequently in my home:  zinc oxide.  Love that stuff!

West Side Story on Broadway Next Year

One of my all time favorite shows, West Side Story, will be opening on Broadway March 19, 2009.  Go Sharks Jets!

Big Day for the Dow, But Only a 6.98% Decline

Today's decline of 6.98% in the DJIA ranks 18th out of the top 20 greatest percentage, single-day declines in history.  It was the highest single-day point loss in history at -777.68.  While I do believe the economic situation is pretty grim, I also believe that the longer term trend is up.  And it would be so unpatriotic to think otherwise, regardless of who wins in November.

Too Sad, and Too Close to Home

A celebration of the life of David D. Willey, the Cape Air pilot who died in the Friday night plane crash in the woods of West Tisbury, will be held at the Agricultural Hall in West Tisbury on Tuesday afternoon at 2 p.m. Side dishes, salads and deserts are welcome. Mr. Willey was 61 and a resident of Vineyard Haven.

-Vineyard Gazette

Our thoughts and prayers are with Capt. Willey, his family and community.  

Post 9/11 Video Blocked by YouTube

It was a riveting documentary that I put together on Post 9/11 life in the U.S.  Apparently, Tom Petty was annoyed that I used a snippet of his "I won't back down" track.  Humph.  I guess we need to watch those copyrights.

Prada Ankle Boot

Classic styling and quality craftsmanship for years of wear and enjoyment.  A splurge by any standard, but in this economic environment, it could prove to be a most practical investment.  It's anyone's guess how the banking and mortgage debacle is going to shake out on Wall Street over the next weeks, but the word "catastrophic" has been used frequently over the weekend.  I did some shopping today, just in case. 

Still Working On This Book

“Life isn't as serious as my mind makes it out to be.” – Eckhart Tolle

And here's an example of why it's taking me so long to finish:

“You have a mental image not only of who the other person is, but also of who you are, especially in relation to the person you are interacting with. So you are not relating with that person at all, but who you think you are relating to, who you think the other person is and vice versa. The conceptual image your mind has made of yourself is relating to its own creation, which is the conceptual image it has made of the other person. The other person’s mind has probably done the same, so every egoic interaction between two people is in reality the interaction between four conceptual mind-made identities that are ultimately fictions. It is therefore not surprising there is so much conflict in relationships. There is no true relationship.”

- Eckhart Tolle, A New Earth: Awakening To Your Life's Purpose

Quote of the Day

Hat tip:  Irene

Tell everyone you know: "My happiness depends on me, so you're off the hook." And then demonstrate it. Be happy, no matter what they're doing. Practice feeling good, no matter what. And before you know it, you will not give anyone else responsibility for the way you feel—and then, you'll love them all. Because the only reason you don't love them, is because you're using them as your excuse to not feel good. 

 - Abraham-Hicks Publications

Growing Strong

Our little fighter of a granddaughter is now up to 5 lbs. 13 oz.  Amelia has been well-cared for at Wolfson Children's Hospital in Jacksonville since her birth on August 20th.  Not only is she getting stronger each day, she seems to be getting more beautiful.

A Young Explorer

 It warmed my heart to get mail from two of my nephews, Luke and Bobby, within the last twenty-four hours.  Now, if we could just hear from our youngest guy, Jimmy.  Jimmy was unable to attend Lee and Luke's recent wedding in Cleveland because he is exploring the wild west.  While he searches for some peace of mind, please pray that this kid safely finds himself, and caring, civilized friendships on the road, while he works his way back home.

Girls Day Out in NYC

It started with a major traffic jam on the FDR.  Late for our appointments, Felicia and I arrived at Elizabeth Arden on 5th Avenue.  We each had a terrific beauty treatment, but agreed, like Georgette Klinger, The Red Door Spa, is on it's way into bankruptcy.  Then, on to Barney's for shopping and celebrity sightings.  We were thrilled to see a very stylish Celine Dion in the shoe department!!  Hair, nails and dinner before P.J. Clarks on Third Avenue.  The best part of the day was the gift from my hostess:  a package of Shiseido facial cotton, the ultimate luxury in skin care.

Follow Your Dream

Stunning and curious, this was a mysterious and deliberately erected shrine in our secluded driveway yesterday.  My son and I were utterly bewildered and somewhat spooked for several minutes as we assessed the scene and message, which was thoughtfully written in chalk.

Billy's Cross-Country Meet

Useful Tidbit of Information

A useful tidbit of information came from my step-daughter during a recent visit to Jacksonville.  Ever notice the little arrow on the gas gauge in your car, or any car, for that matter?  It is the handy indicator of where the gas tank is located on the automobile.  So next time you're in a rental car, scrambling to buy fuel at the last minute, think of us!

Labor and Delivery is Painless

That is, of course, relative to some of the other phases of bringing a child into the world.  Just as we tend to forget that awful joy of birth, we also tend to forget the "terrible twos" and I'm hoping to soon get past the "frightful fifteens."  I just spent an endearing week with my young grandson in Florida.  The typical drama of my teenager was waiting upon my return home.  I do have a rich and challenging life, for which, I am extremely grateful. 

Exploring Jacksonville with Landon

Five Hours at the Airport

Weather delays along the east coast forced me to sit around the airport and figure out mobile blogging on the iPhone.  I figured it out.

Fwd: Mobile Blogging

On the brink of another life-changing technological adventure.

Luke and Lee

A wedding in Cleveland.  Great fun and a much needed family reunion of love and healing.

Birthday Lunch

When given the choice of going anywhere in the world for a birthday lunch, Billy opted for White Castle in Union, NJ.  Oh, to be 15 years old.