Today is almost the last day of the year. It will be a while before we get used to write 2017. I remember when I worked for days I used to write down the old year's number instead of the new one. It is a good thing that now machines do the thinking for us and they will correct our errors.
The old chicken or the egg question came to mind tonight.
We were working on making arrangements for our next visit to Las Vegas. But we didn't know which to do first. Make the hotel reservation or do the flight arrangements.
Each had some good deals but we were afraid that while we do one we might lose the chance for the other. Anyway, we bit the bullet and did the hotel first than the flight. I'm sure it will work out.
Tomorrow, on New Year's Eve we plan to stay up and make sure the New Year comes in on time. We will stay home and have a family celebration.
Next time I will write will very likely be next year.
Until then Happy and Healthy New Year to all my friends.
Saturday, December 31, 2016
Friday, December 30, 2016
Wednesday/Thursday
For me one of the best fried chicken on this side of the Atlantic is Popeye's. But a very close second is Plain & Fancy in Pennsylvania Amish country.
This restaurant has a family style meal where they sit about ten people at a table and they serve unlimited amount of food. You pass the dishes around and eat until you pop. Fried chicken is one of their star attraction.
It is made just the way I like it. Not juicy but all fried, the crust is just the way I remember from home and the serving dish is never empty. They also have roast beef, vegetables cold salad, cold drinks and sweets for dessert.
My favorite dessert is shoofly pie. I don't know what that is but it certainly tastes goooood.
Now, why did I write about this? Because yesterday at the spur of the moment we decided to have some fried chicken in Amish country. So we got in our car and two and a half hours later we were there. The weather was very nice meaning that being outdoors was pretty pleasant.
We were very surprised to see how many people (tourists) were there. At one place we counted five tour buses.
We actually wanted to see how the Amish celebrate Christmas. But the houses that were decorated were all non-Amish. Since they do not use electricity Christmas lightings do not exist. Only in commercial establishments for the sake of the tourists.
Also because all the stores close at four pm we really couldn't look forward to a longer day. But still we had a great time and aside from the food we were glad we went on the this trip.
Next time in the Spring.
This restaurant has a family style meal where they sit about ten people at a table and they serve unlimited amount of food. You pass the dishes around and eat until you pop. Fried chicken is one of their star attraction.
It is made just the way I like it. Not juicy but all fried, the crust is just the way I remember from home and the serving dish is never empty. They also have roast beef, vegetables cold salad, cold drinks and sweets for dessert.
My favorite dessert is shoofly pie. I don't know what that is but it certainly tastes goooood.
Now, why did I write about this? Because yesterday at the spur of the moment we decided to have some fried chicken in Amish country. So we got in our car and two and a half hours later we were there. The weather was very nice meaning that being outdoors was pretty pleasant.
We were very surprised to see how many people (tourists) were there. At one place we counted five tour buses.
We actually wanted to see how the Amish celebrate Christmas. But the houses that were decorated were all non-Amish. Since they do not use electricity Christmas lightings do not exist. Only in commercial establishments for the sake of the tourists.
Also because all the stores close at four pm we really couldn't look forward to a longer day. But still we had a great time and aside from the food we were glad we went on the this trip.
Next time in the Spring.
Wednesday, December 28, 2016
Tuesday
My cousin and his wife are the classic grandparents. They love their children and they love their grandkids. And what is more they both possess unlimited patience.
I have a family of three. That is my wife and Abigail who is fourteen years old. On Holidays and other occasions her brother who is 25 and his girlfriend come over to our house. And that is when my patience is beginning to wear thin.
I love my family but what the two siblings do to one another is just very difficult to bear. The constant teasing and ribbing that goes on between them is many times just too much. But they do love each other they just have a funny way to express it.
Lately, I decided to stay out of it and stopped playing referee. My poor wife does not have the luxury do what I do and because of it her nerves are really wearing thin.
My cousin has a son and a daughter, both married and each have three children. Three boys and three girls. Now, as I understand these sibling, the grandkids get along well. And to me that is a miracle by itself.
At holidays like Christmas there are twelve people in my cousin's house.
Questions: how do you feed all these people, how do you buy Christmas presents to all these people without any one getting hurt, how do you keep all these people entertained?
I know this is a lovely family but just the sheer number is staggering at least to me. I know there are families with much larger numbers but I don't know any so I just stick to the one I do know and care about.
This justifies the saying be glad for small tidings.
I have a family of three. That is my wife and Abigail who is fourteen years old. On Holidays and other occasions her brother who is 25 and his girlfriend come over to our house. And that is when my patience is beginning to wear thin.
I love my family but what the two siblings do to one another is just very difficult to bear. The constant teasing and ribbing that goes on between them is many times just too much. But they do love each other they just have a funny way to express it.
Lately, I decided to stay out of it and stopped playing referee. My poor wife does not have the luxury do what I do and because of it her nerves are really wearing thin.
My cousin has a son and a daughter, both married and each have three children. Three boys and three girls. Now, as I understand these sibling, the grandkids get along well. And to me that is a miracle by itself.
At holidays like Christmas there are twelve people in my cousin's house.
Questions: how do you feed all these people, how do you buy Christmas presents to all these people without any one getting hurt, how do you keep all these people entertained?
I know this is a lovely family but just the sheer number is staggering at least to me. I know there are families with much larger numbers but I don't know any so I just stick to the one I do know and care about.
This justifies the saying be glad for small tidings.
Tuesday, December 27, 2016
Monday
I used to have an uncle (my fathers first cousin) who lived in this country way before World War II. He passed away in 1990 at he age of about 85-90. In his later years and while he was in fairly good condition to travel he was obsessed looking up former schoolmates.
Interestingly he did find some and he made sure that at every visit to Hungary they met somewhere. His former and very old hunting ground was the Opera Cafehous in Budapest. I have no idea where that was and even if it still exists. But they met somewhere.
Each time when he returned to the States he told me how terrible condition his old school chums were. Some in wheelchair some on crutches and pn and on. But they kept on meeting and kept on rehashing old memories.
I respected his will and interest for trying to keep in touch with these old friends.
Now, I am doing the same thing. A few months ago I found the Facebook addresses of a few old school or rather classmates and wrote to them.
Lo and behold one just responded back. It was very exciting to pick up the line of communication with someone I knew about 65 years ago and that someone still remembering me. I keep in touch regularly with about four of my former classmates but this one just showed up suddenly.
We have a lot to catch up with and I am looking forward to it.
With Facebook this really is a small world we live in.
Interestingly he did find some and he made sure that at every visit to Hungary they met somewhere. His former and very old hunting ground was the Opera Cafehous in Budapest. I have no idea where that was and even if it still exists. But they met somewhere.
Each time when he returned to the States he told me how terrible condition his old school chums were. Some in wheelchair some on crutches and pn and on. But they kept on meeting and kept on rehashing old memories.
I respected his will and interest for trying to keep in touch with these old friends.
Now, I am doing the same thing. A few months ago I found the Facebook addresses of a few old school or rather classmates and wrote to them.
Lo and behold one just responded back. It was very exciting to pick up the line of communication with someone I knew about 65 years ago and that someone still remembering me. I keep in touch regularly with about four of my former classmates but this one just showed up suddenly.
We have a lot to catch up with and I am looking forward to it.
With Facebook this really is a small world we live in.
Monday, December 26, 2016
Sunday - Christmas Day
Just to continue the Christmas Eve events, below is the tree before the presents were opened:
And below is the tree minutes later:
But that's the way Christmas is. The point is that everybody was happy, everybody got nice presents. My wife bought me some beautiful stuff and Abigail was not left behind. She saved her money and bought me a very nice shirt that even fits me perfect.
Remembering that yesterday was the first night of Hanukkah we also placed a Menorah on the dinner table.
The table is so civilized because the picture taken was before the real eating begun.
This was the food that was slated for consumption:
Sunday, December 25, 2016
Saturday
It is Christmas Eve. It is raining and the weather is mild. "Dreaming of a white Christmas" only appears in the movies and dreams. At least in New York. I don't remember when we ever had a white Christmas here.
We had snow earlier many times but it always melted by the time Christmas came around. Today is also the first night of Hanukkah and maybe the mix of the two have something to do with the weather.
Anyway, we will set up our tree and will get ready for the family get together. My wife's son and his girlfriend are to come over and we are looking forward to a nice time.
Traditionally, Hungarians exchange presents on Christmas Eve and we will keep the tradition. Besides, Abigail is too excited to wait until next morning as it is the American way.
Now, the Eve is over. The presents were given, the carefully wrapped packages all destroyed.
But that's ok as long as everybody was satisfied.
Merry Christmas to all of our friends!
We had snow earlier many times but it always melted by the time Christmas came around. Today is also the first night of Hanukkah and maybe the mix of the two have something to do with the weather.
Anyway, we will set up our tree and will get ready for the family get together. My wife's son and his girlfriend are to come over and we are looking forward to a nice time.
Traditionally, Hungarians exchange presents on Christmas Eve and we will keep the tradition. Besides, Abigail is too excited to wait until next morning as it is the American way.
Now, the Eve is over. The presents were given, the carefully wrapped packages all destroyed.
But that's ok as long as everybody was satisfied.
Merry Christmas to all of our friends!
Saturday, December 24, 2016
Friday
Just to elaborate a little more on the financial advantages of being an apartment building employee.
An average New York City apartment building has 100-150 apartments. A super gets about $70,000 annual salary plus free apartment, garage space and utilities. Since most of them belong to a union they also get union benefits like health insurance and pension. Paid vacation goes without saying.
If he does any kind of repair service during the year the tenants always tip him. At least I do if I ever want him to respond to when I ned him.
So figure 150 apartments. Christmas comes and most of the tenants give him some money. Depending on the affluence of the building that is how much he gets.
Let's say $50 average per apartment and assume 80% of the tenants who give an envelop. That comes out to be $6,000 cash and tax-free. And I am convinced that this is a low number.
Still, that is not a bad Christmas present.
An average New York City apartment building has 100-150 apartments. A super gets about $70,000 annual salary plus free apartment, garage space and utilities. Since most of them belong to a union they also get union benefits like health insurance and pension. Paid vacation goes without saying.
If he does any kind of repair service during the year the tenants always tip him. At least I do if I ever want him to respond to when I ned him.
So figure 150 apartments. Christmas comes and most of the tenants give him some money. Depending on the affluence of the building that is how much he gets.
Let's say $50 average per apartment and assume 80% of the tenants who give an envelop. That comes out to be $6,000 cash and tax-free. And I am convinced that this is a low number.
Still, that is not a bad Christmas present.
Friday, December 23, 2016
Thursday
There are certain Christmas gift giving habits in this country at least here in New York.
There are people who are perfectly happy with anything they get. It shows that they value the though and not the material value of the gift.
Years ago I had a friend who had a small jewelry stall in Manhattan. I remember being there a couple of days before Christmas when all the mailmen who were delivering the precious items throughout the year came around. They walked through the store from stall to stall with their opened hand and all took the cash the merchants gave them. This was expected. No gift, no next time delivery. That was the message.
In my building before the Holidays they post the names of all the employees. Super, handyman, porters. Just to remind the residents that it is time to cough up some dough. Not that they don't get any tips during the year whenever they do something special but this is special time.
There are buildings with really large staff with some not even visible to the tenants. In those places there is a suggested contribution that will be decided between the staff. Who knows, maybe yes maybe no.
Anyway, we are used to this form of gift giving. Tonight was the night when we prepared the envelops that will be given out tomorrow. This way at least they will say hello when they se us the next time.
There are people who are perfectly happy with anything they get. It shows that they value the though and not the material value of the gift.
Years ago I had a friend who had a small jewelry stall in Manhattan. I remember being there a couple of days before Christmas when all the mailmen who were delivering the precious items throughout the year came around. They walked through the store from stall to stall with their opened hand and all took the cash the merchants gave them. This was expected. No gift, no next time delivery. That was the message.
In my building before the Holidays they post the names of all the employees. Super, handyman, porters. Just to remind the residents that it is time to cough up some dough. Not that they don't get any tips during the year whenever they do something special but this is special time.
There are buildings with really large staff with some not even visible to the tenants. In those places there is a suggested contribution that will be decided between the staff. Who knows, maybe yes maybe no.
Anyway, we are used to this form of gift giving. Tonight was the night when we prepared the envelops that will be given out tomorrow. This way at least they will say hello when they se us the next time.
Thursday, December 22, 2016
Wednesday
I wrote before that when a man gets a cold it is the end of the world. When I get one I suffer like you wouldn't believe it. I am loud and I share my suffering with my family and with everybody around me. I don't want to do anything just (not)quietly suffer.
Now my wife has a very bad cold. She thinks she got it on the plane on the way back from Europe. She was sitting next to some old Germanic biddy who was coughing all the way from Zurich to New York. Now it came out on my wife.
But here lies the difference. She is not at all like me. She suffers in majestic quiet. I hear her cough and I know her throat hurts but she is not complaining at all. Her throat hurts so bad that she can barely speak, the poor thing. I feel terrible for her because there is nothing I can do to make her better.
But in her case life does not stop. She continues to do her chores like cooking and keeping the house in order and Abigail and me in line.
If it were me I would just lie down and let everything go to the dogs until I get better.
Now I know why they say they are the stronger sex.
Now my wife has a very bad cold. She thinks she got it on the plane on the way back from Europe. She was sitting next to some old Germanic biddy who was coughing all the way from Zurich to New York. Now it came out on my wife.
But here lies the difference. She is not at all like me. She suffers in majestic quiet. I hear her cough and I know her throat hurts but she is not complaining at all. Her throat hurts so bad that she can barely speak, the poor thing. I feel terrible for her because there is nothing I can do to make her better.
But in her case life does not stop. She continues to do her chores like cooking and keeping the house in order and Abigail and me in line.
If it were me I would just lie down and let everything go to the dogs until I get better.
Now I know why they say they are the stronger sex.
Wednesday, December 21, 2016
Tuesday
Today we mastered the latest technology. My wife and I finally made Skype connection with our friends in Australia and had a very nice face to face conversation with them.
Technology never stops to amaze me. The plain fact that we can sit front of the computer screen and be able to talk to someone about 10,300 miles away like if he were in the next room is just mind boggling.
I don't care if Skype is passe if there are newer and better methods it is good enough for me. And even if they say what Skype does is not that fantastic to me it is. Maybe I am old fashioned but I am still amazed.
My friends and I go back about 60 years. Our roads separated but we kept in touch throughout the years. They were with me through thick and thin and now they are genuinely happy for me. And that makes me feel warm all over.
Good friends don't have to be living nearby. They can be anywhere in this world and still show genuine care. And these people are my really good friends.
Technology never stops to amaze me. The plain fact that we can sit front of the computer screen and be able to talk to someone about 10,300 miles away like if he were in the next room is just mind boggling.
I don't care if Skype is passe if there are newer and better methods it is good enough for me. And even if they say what Skype does is not that fantastic to me it is. Maybe I am old fashioned but I am still amazed.
My friends and I go back about 60 years. Our roads separated but we kept in touch throughout the years. They were with me through thick and thin and now they are genuinely happy for me. And that makes me feel warm all over.
Good friends don't have to be living nearby. They can be anywhere in this world and still show genuine care. And these people are my really good friends.
Tuesday, December 20, 2016
Monday
I am getting tardy with my "obligation" to write. I skipped yesterday but with every time I skip I did have a very good reason.
You see I can always explain myself meaning I can always talk myself out of a quagmire.
Yesterday was Sunday and we stayed in all day. I decided this was the time to write our Christmas cards. That is no small undertaking. I have about twenty people to start with. All of them are friends I keep in contact with. Most of them I write more than just a few cursory words therefore the writing took up considerable time.
If we will get a greeting card from someone who was not on the initial list than we will respond. But the initial count was twenty.
When I worked I used to send out about fifty cards but as time went by the number of people got reduced. Some passed away some just decided not to keep in touch. But that is ok, that's the the way life is. And, I accept it.
You see I can always explain myself meaning I can always talk myself out of a quagmire.
Yesterday was Sunday and we stayed in all day. I decided this was the time to write our Christmas cards. That is no small undertaking. I have about twenty people to start with. All of them are friends I keep in contact with. Most of them I write more than just a few cursory words therefore the writing took up considerable time.
If we will get a greeting card from someone who was not on the initial list than we will respond. But the initial count was twenty.
When I worked I used to send out about fifty cards but as time went by the number of people got reduced. Some passed away some just decided not to keep in touch. But that is ok, that's the the way life is. And, I accept it.
Sunday, December 18, 2016
Saturday
I woke up around seven in the morning and when I looked out the window I saw the first real snow of the season. The street was totally covered there was several inches of snowon the cars and it was snowing pretty heavily. It was just beautiful.
On that note I went back to bed acknowledging the fact that there was no reason whatsoever to get up before nine or ten. Unfortunately by the time I or we got up the snow has stopped turned into rain and eventually the streets were covered with slush.
Since I am a snow lover I looked at this kind of sadly, but hey this is life. I take it as it comes.
Later in the day my wife and I went out and did some food and Christmas shopping. I guess because of the weather traffic was lighter than usual but this being the last weekend before Christmas the crowds will eventually come forward.
Every year people complain that there is no money. Yet, the planes are full and people are shopping like crazy for the holidays. So, why are they complaining? Are they to be taken seriously with their complaints?
If money is tight then don't shop and don't fly. It is that easy.
On that note I went back to bed acknowledging the fact that there was no reason whatsoever to get up before nine or ten. Unfortunately by the time I or we got up the snow has stopped turned into rain and eventually the streets were covered with slush.
Since I am a snow lover I looked at this kind of sadly, but hey this is life. I take it as it comes.
Later in the day my wife and I went out and did some food and Christmas shopping. I guess because of the weather traffic was lighter than usual but this being the last weekend before Christmas the crowds will eventually come forward.
Every year people complain that there is no money. Yet, the planes are full and people are shopping like crazy for the holidays. So, why are they complaining? Are they to be taken seriously with their complaints?
If money is tight then don't shop and don't fly. It is that easy.
Saturday, December 17, 2016
Friday
Everybody around me is traveling. My best friend is coming back from Las Vegas after a week of being there. My wife on Tuesday arrived from Hungary but still suffering from jet lag. My other friend is on a cruise in the Caribbean.
And I, well I am traveling from the living room to the kitchen.
So as it is obvious we are always moving. Hungarians as a people love to travel. I don't know what causes this urge but maybe the fact that after World War II when the Soviets came to power travel was strictly forbidden. People were not even allowed to travel to neighboring "friendly"countries.
When the regime slowly became more liberalized travel restrictions were one of the first things they let up on.
I also believe that when they elected the first Polish pope he started to travel immediately because he was previously subjected to the same restrictions as everybody else in Eastern Europe.
So we travel. Maybe once when we have seen everything this world has to offer we stop traveling or just go someplace else.
And I, well I am traveling from the living room to the kitchen.
So as it is obvious we are always moving. Hungarians as a people love to travel. I don't know what causes this urge but maybe the fact that after World War II when the Soviets came to power travel was strictly forbidden. People were not even allowed to travel to neighboring "friendly"countries.
When the regime slowly became more liberalized travel restrictions were one of the first things they let up on.
I also believe that when they elected the first Polish pope he started to travel immediately because he was previously subjected to the same restrictions as everybody else in Eastern Europe.
So we travel. Maybe once when we have seen everything this world has to offer we stop traveling or just go someplace else.
Friday, December 16, 2016
Thursday
Ad it was expected and I'm sure forgiven yesterday I could not write my blog. My wife returned from a week in Hungary and I was to happy and excited to see her and not to sit down and write.
But there is another side of this story. Since yesterday morning we had no Internet and telephone service in the house. I realized the lack of service around 7:30 in the morning. I called our glorious cable company, Time Warner and an automatic voice informed me that there was a service interruption in my area and technicians were hard at work to solve the problem.
Ok, so far so good.
But here is the funny part. Last night around seven pm I was down on the street and saw about three of the cable company's trucks in my area. I asked the foreman when can we expect service to be back and he replied that he didn't know because they just got here. And right then they couldn't figure out what was the problem.
This really built up my confidence for the "early" resumption of service. But miracle of miracles by this morning everything was back to normal (until the next mishap).
So you see even if I wanted to write I could not. But Really didn't want to.
But there is another side of this story. Since yesterday morning we had no Internet and telephone service in the house. I realized the lack of service around 7:30 in the morning. I called our glorious cable company, Time Warner and an automatic voice informed me that there was a service interruption in my area and technicians were hard at work to solve the problem.
Ok, so far so good.
But here is the funny part. Last night around seven pm I was down on the street and saw about three of the cable company's trucks in my area. I asked the foreman when can we expect service to be back and he replied that he didn't know because they just got here. And right then they couldn't figure out what was the problem.
This really built up my confidence for the "early" resumption of service. But miracle of miracles by this morning everything was back to normal (until the next mishap).
So you see even if I wanted to write I could not. But Really didn't want to.
Wednesday, December 14, 2016
Tuesday
My wife is not a fan of American fast foood. In one word she abhors it. I on the other hand really like it. Maybe I just got used to it being in this country for almost sixty years. They are not the table for aficionados of good food but they have their place in society.
Now that my wife is away and I don't cook Abigail and I had our fill of various fast foods. On our first night we ate Popeye chicken. Fortunately we both like it. She likes the chicken tenders I like the chicken itself. Next night we had diner cheeseburgers which were great.
After that we had take out from Chipotle. We both had burritos. Weren't bad at all. The following night we ordered ravioli from the neighborhood pizza place than on the fifth night we had empanadas from a small stand not far from us. I'm not a great fan of empanadas but Abigail likes them so I consented.
Saturday since we went Christmas shopping to a mall we ate there in their food court. The menu was burritos from Taco Bell.
Sunday we finally had a decent meal t Applebee's. We both had steak. Monday we went to Shake Shack for burgers. They really make awesome burgers.
Tonight is our last night with just the two of us because tomorrow my wife is finally coming home. So tonight we decided to have Popeye chicken again. We gorged ourselves with chicken tenders and fried chicken but I can't wait to eat my wife's cooking.
For me that is the best there is.
Now that my wife is away and I don't cook Abigail and I had our fill of various fast foods. On our first night we ate Popeye chicken. Fortunately we both like it. She likes the chicken tenders I like the chicken itself. Next night we had diner cheeseburgers which were great.
After that we had take out from Chipotle. We both had burritos. Weren't bad at all. The following night we ordered ravioli from the neighborhood pizza place than on the fifth night we had empanadas from a small stand not far from us. I'm not a great fan of empanadas but Abigail likes them so I consented.
Saturday since we went Christmas shopping to a mall we ate there in their food court. The menu was burritos from Taco Bell.
Sunday we finally had a decent meal t Applebee's. We both had steak. Monday we went to Shake Shack for burgers. They really make awesome burgers.
Tonight is our last night with just the two of us because tomorrow my wife is finally coming home. So tonight we decided to have Popeye chicken again. We gorged ourselves with chicken tenders and fried chicken but I can't wait to eat my wife's cooking.
For me that is the best there is.
Tuesday, December 13, 2016
Monday
Last night Abigail strong armed me to watch another "disaster" movie. It was Kung Fu Panda 3.
This is a computer-animated film that is about as boring as reading Karl Marx's Das Capital in German and backwards. I sat through and watched it in the meanwhile fighting sleepiness.
Every time I dozed off she hit me to wake up. I had absolutely no clue what was going on in the movie or what it was all about. Abigail enjoyed it immensely so I guess this was on her wavelength and not mine.
I am already afraid what the program will be tonight. But being true to my form I will moan and groan but will bravely sit through it.
I don't know how fathers and mothers do this with their kids. But I think if a grown up does this kind of thing long enough the person will degenerate to the level of his or her child.
But don't despair, my wife is arriving back on Wednesday and then these nightly events surely will stop.
Who knows, I might eventually miss them.
This is a computer-animated film that is about as boring as reading Karl Marx's Das Capital in German and backwards. I sat through and watched it in the meanwhile fighting sleepiness.
Every time I dozed off she hit me to wake up. I had absolutely no clue what was going on in the movie or what it was all about. Abigail enjoyed it immensely so I guess this was on her wavelength and not mine.
I am already afraid what the program will be tonight. But being true to my form I will moan and groan but will bravely sit through it.
I don't know how fathers and mothers do this with their kids. But I think if a grown up does this kind of thing long enough the person will degenerate to the level of his or her child.
But don't despair, my wife is arriving back on Wednesday and then these nightly events surely will stop.
Who knows, I might eventually miss them.
Monday, December 12, 2016
Sunday
Babysitting to a teenager is not an easy task. Under normal circumstances when we are all home Abigail locks herself in her room and only comes out to eat or to complain about something.
So I figured that while my wife is away I'll have it easy. Abigail is in her room and I can do whatever I want like watching TV and falling asleep while doing it.
But nooooo. This never happened. Abigail decide that she liked my company and instead of locking herself into her room she wanted to be with me.
Every night we have to watch a movie together that sometimes winds up to be two movies. She is talking to me and she is preparing desserts that we ate while watching the films.
Now, she is fourteen years old. Her taste in movies is not exactly my taste but there is nothing I can do about it but grin and bear it. If I happen to fall asleep while watching one of her movies she hits me and wakes me up.
She brings in deserts from the kitchen and if I not happen to like it she doesn't take no for an answer. I have no choice I have to accept it.
Today we went to e real restaurant together. We went to Applebees. Not a bad place and we like it. We had a good meal and it was a pleasant evening.
Now we are home again, she is doing her homework and I was already promised that as soon as she is done we are watching a movie.
Can't wait.
So I figured that while my wife is away I'll have it easy. Abigail is in her room and I can do whatever I want like watching TV and falling asleep while doing it.
But nooooo. This never happened. Abigail decide that she liked my company and instead of locking herself into her room she wanted to be with me.
Every night we have to watch a movie together that sometimes winds up to be two movies. She is talking to me and she is preparing desserts that we ate while watching the films.
Now, she is fourteen years old. Her taste in movies is not exactly my taste but there is nothing I can do about it but grin and bear it. If I happen to fall asleep while watching one of her movies she hits me and wakes me up.
She brings in deserts from the kitchen and if I not happen to like it she doesn't take no for an answer. I have no choice I have to accept it.
Today we went to e real restaurant together. We went to Applebees. Not a bad place and we like it. We had a good meal and it was a pleasant evening.
Now we are home again, she is doing her homework and I was already promised that as soon as she is done we are watching a movie.
Can't wait.
Sunday, December 11, 2016
Saturday
Christmas fever reached my house. Being the perfect "babysitter" that I am I suspended all my disagreements with Abigail while my wife is away.
The word is suspended not discontinued.
Anyway I am trying to be the perfect gentleman/dad/friend to her. Every night we eat whatever she desires and I told her we could go Christmas shopping on this weekend.
And today was the day she made me keep my promise. I tell you honestly it wasn't that bad. We drove out to Long Island to Roosevelt Field and spent about four hours buying presents to her siblings and friends.
Abigail saved a nice amount of money and with contributions from her sucker "father to be" she made out pretty good.
It was funny that when we went into any particular store she made her selections very quickly. When I inquired how come at this time she could select so fast but when we shop for her she can never make any selection so fast. She replied that buying for her is a lot more important thing than buying for her friends.
Fortunately we were able to do all our shopping today and we will not have to face the throng of people anymore.
The word is suspended not discontinued.
Anyway I am trying to be the perfect gentleman/dad/friend to her. Every night we eat whatever she desires and I told her we could go Christmas shopping on this weekend.
And today was the day she made me keep my promise. I tell you honestly it wasn't that bad. We drove out to Long Island to Roosevelt Field and spent about four hours buying presents to her siblings and friends.
Abigail saved a nice amount of money and with contributions from her sucker "father to be" she made out pretty good.
It was funny that when we went into any particular store she made her selections very quickly. When I inquired how come at this time she could select so fast but when we shop for her she can never make any selection so fast. She replied that buying for her is a lot more important thing than buying for her friends.
Fortunately we were able to do all our shopping today and we will not have to face the throng of people anymore.
Saturday, December 10, 2016
Friday
Yesterday I criticized the idiots that work on help lines and are forcing us to turn to them for assistance.
Well, here is one for today.
In New York traffic lingo a gridlock is when automobiles and other motorized vehicles get stuck in a four-way jam and totally block intersections. In Midtown Manhattan this is a fairly frequent occurence.
Nobody really know how to fix it and during the year the City is not doing anything to alleviate the problem. But during the Christmas season they declare gridlock alert days. This means that any vehicle caught inside the gridlock can and will be ticketed.
New York City has miles and miles of parkways and highways. On these roads there are these huge overhead electronic signs These signs convey various traffic related messages to the driving public.
Today on all New York City's roads this was shown on these signs: "Today is Gridlock Alert Day. Take Public Transportation"
Now, think for a moment. The thousands of motorists who saw this message were already in their cars and obviously not using public transportation.
What was the point in making such an announcement? Did they expect people to feverishly abandon their cars and rush towards buses and subways?
There are stupids everywhere.
Well, here is one for today.
In New York traffic lingo a gridlock is when automobiles and other motorized vehicles get stuck in a four-way jam and totally block intersections. In Midtown Manhattan this is a fairly frequent occurence.
Nobody really know how to fix it and during the year the City is not doing anything to alleviate the problem. But during the Christmas season they declare gridlock alert days. This means that any vehicle caught inside the gridlock can and will be ticketed.
New York City has miles and miles of parkways and highways. On these roads there are these huge overhead electronic signs These signs convey various traffic related messages to the driving public.
Today on all New York City's roads this was shown on these signs: "Today is Gridlock Alert Day. Take Public Transportation"
Now, think for a moment. The thousands of motorists who saw this message were already in their cars and obviously not using public transportation.
What was the point in making such an announcement? Did they expect people to feverishly abandon their cars and rush towards buses and subways?
There are stupids everywhere.
Friday, December 9, 2016
Thursday
It is unbelievable how difficult it is to find a living and breathing person on a so called help line. Today I had the bad luck that I needed to call such companies. In each time it took about four minutes to reach a person.
Without exception they all read off a long story that has nothing to do with the reason of the call. I always find that my reasons don't fit into any of their categories. So I just scream or wait patiently until that stupid robot realizes what I want.
Once the person comes on the line it happens more than once that he or she transfers me to another person who might have more inkling about what to do than the previous one. Several time I was transferred four or five times in a row and each time I had to start from scratch.
What really bugs me is that at the beginning of each call there is an automatic announcement saying that this call may be recorded for quality control purposes.
Why don't they record the first five minutes for quality control? And, what do they do with the idiots who work there and who are being recorded? Do anybody recognizes how unqualified the people who are on the help lines are?
Maybe stupid has a grade and if they are not stupid enough they are replaced with a stupider.
Without exception they all read off a long story that has nothing to do with the reason of the call. I always find that my reasons don't fit into any of their categories. So I just scream or wait patiently until that stupid robot realizes what I want.
Once the person comes on the line it happens more than once that he or she transfers me to another person who might have more inkling about what to do than the previous one. Several time I was transferred four or five times in a row and each time I had to start from scratch.
What really bugs me is that at the beginning of each call there is an automatic announcement saying that this call may be recorded for quality control purposes.
Why don't they record the first five minutes for quality control? And, what do they do with the idiots who work there and who are being recorded? Do anybody recognizes how unqualified the people who are on the help lines are?
Maybe stupid has a grade and if they are not stupid enough they are replaced with a stupider.
Thursday, December 8, 2016
Wednesday
My wife and I speak several times a day. Technology is wonderful, there are no distances in this world that a simple cell phone could not bridge.
I remember that many years ago I called the operator and made an appointment when I wanted to call my Mother in Hungary. The operator had to make the connection across the world and when everything was ok they called me and than we were able to speak.
Today I call my wife on her US number and she answers like she were a block away. The only problem we are having is the time difference. They are six hours ahead of us. Meaning that around midnight when I'm getting ready to go to sleep they just getting up over there.
But I don't care. As long as I hear her voice, regardless of the time I'm happy. I really miss her.
Abigail and I are getting along fine. Two nights ago we had Popeye chicken for dinner, yesterday it was cheeseburger and today we bought burritos from Chipotle. Tomorrow remains to be decided. But it is certain that we will not be undernourished.
My wife wa telling me the good stuff she was eating there already: Szeged fish soup, cold cuts, warm home baked bread and other selected goodies. I gained five pounds just listening to her.
I know that a week from today she will be back but at this moment time just don't want to fly.
Wednesday, December 7, 2016
Tuesday
As I mentioned it earlier my wife went to Hungary. Actually, she arrived at Budapest Airport around 10 am this morning. I spoke to her a few times since and she told me the trip was pretty uneventful except a bumpy ride over the Atlantic and crappy food on the plane.
She already met her family and the reunion was anything but dry eyed. Everybody was happy to see her and none of them wanted to let her go. But she has business to take care of, family to see, places to visit and the time is not that long. But I'm sure she will smartly manage her time.
I have an observation about the airlines. They are all gangsters! None of them is better than the other. And Lufthansa, a proud German airline is just as crooked as the rest of them
We spent hours and hours to find a good fare for her trip. When we found what looked like a good and reasonable fare with good connection times we or I made the mistake not claiming it immediately.
We left the web page and when we went back on it it was gone. We tried several time but it just disappeared like it never existed. The bastards took it of because it probably was just a come on.
I do not believe than an offer disappears in five minutes because it just suddenly is not available. They are all crooked and they are proud of it. Why should they help the traveling public when people will fly regardless of the cost and inconveniences.
We went to to the airport and found both the arrival and departures crowded. People are traveling no matter what the problem is. Might those be the cost of it or the inefficient TSA people who are jumping all over each other trying to look knowledgable and important.
It is a good hing that when I get into my car I don't have to go through all that TSA security.
She already met her family and the reunion was anything but dry eyed. Everybody was happy to see her and none of them wanted to let her go. But she has business to take care of, family to see, places to visit and the time is not that long. But I'm sure she will smartly manage her time.
I have an observation about the airlines. They are all gangsters! None of them is better than the other. And Lufthansa, a proud German airline is just as crooked as the rest of them
We spent hours and hours to find a good fare for her trip. When we found what looked like a good and reasonable fare with good connection times we or I made the mistake not claiming it immediately.
We left the web page and when we went back on it it was gone. We tried several time but it just disappeared like it never existed. The bastards took it of because it probably was just a come on.
I do not believe than an offer disappears in five minutes because it just suddenly is not available. They are all crooked and they are proud of it. Why should they help the traveling public when people will fly regardless of the cost and inconveniences.
We went to to the airport and found both the arrival and departures crowded. People are traveling no matter what the problem is. Might those be the cost of it or the inefficient TSA people who are jumping all over each other trying to look knowledgable and important.
It is a good hing that when I get into my car I don't have to go through all that TSA security.
Tuesday, December 6, 2016
Monday
I have a veri logical explanation why I abstained from writing for all this time.
I was busy.
If that is not an acceptable explanation here is the long version of it and I will be going backwards.
Today at 3:55 pm my wife left for a visit to Hungary. This was a momentous event for us since she has not been there for twelve years. The decision was made very quickly like middle of last week.
We spent several hours trying to find an acceptable airline with a reasonable fare. And, since that idiotic Hungarian airline went bankrupt it is not easy to find a good trip to Budapest. Finally we selected Lufthansa and that is the one she is flying now.
Being her first trip back in such a long time you can imagine how much preparation and excitement went into it. I think I was more excited than she was.
I volunteered to stay behind and babysit Abigail. I may get sainthood by the time she returns but right now we are getting along fine.
The thing that made the trip such an urgent necessity is that my wife's Grandfather is very ill and she wanted to see him before the unspeakable happens. Her Grandfather and Grandmother raised her and understandably she is very close to them. I honestly hope and pray that she has time to spend with her Grandfather.
My wife has been away only for a few hours and I already miss her. I hope I'll survive the week.
I was busy.
If that is not an acceptable explanation here is the long version of it and I will be going backwards.
Today at 3:55 pm my wife left for a visit to Hungary. This was a momentous event for us since she has not been there for twelve years. The decision was made very quickly like middle of last week.
We spent several hours trying to find an acceptable airline with a reasonable fare. And, since that idiotic Hungarian airline went bankrupt it is not easy to find a good trip to Budapest. Finally we selected Lufthansa and that is the one she is flying now.
Being her first trip back in such a long time you can imagine how much preparation and excitement went into it. I think I was more excited than she was.
I volunteered to stay behind and babysit Abigail. I may get sainthood by the time she returns but right now we are getting along fine.
The thing that made the trip such an urgent necessity is that my wife's Grandfather is very ill and she wanted to see him before the unspeakable happens. Her Grandfather and Grandmother raised her and understandably she is very close to them. I honestly hope and pray that she has time to spend with her Grandfather.
My wife has been away only for a few hours and I already miss her. I hope I'll survive the week.
Thursday, December 1, 2016
Wednesdayy
My wife's son has a dog who responds to the name of Carlo. Carlo is an American Terrier but looks almost like a pit bull.
He is the most gentle and lovable dog I have ever known. He is huge about 80 pounds.
He spends his days sleeping and playing. There is also a beautiful cat in the apartment and Carlo and him are like brothers. The just get along perfectly. They sleep together and play together. Like with kids there is a little jealousy between them but nothing serious.
Carlo sleeps on the bed and if it is not warm enough he must be covered. He eats dog food if necessary but prefers people food. He snores like a person and sleeps on his back with his face on a pillow.
He hast be taken out for walks a few times a day and because they live right across a large park he just loves being there. He has several friends (dogs) and when they meet they just go totally nuts playing. They like to roughhouse but never too rough.
He loves to ride in the car mainly in ours because ours is an SUV and he sits in the back in the cargo area that's very comfortable to him..
He doesn't bark and makes friend with everybody he meets. The other night my wife and I went over to their house and while my wife and her son were working on the computer I was with Carlo.
I lied down on their bed and within minutes he was lying next to me, on top of me, his head on my shoulder on my arm and in the process was licking me like I was an ice cream cone.
He was so adorable that I couldn't get angry at him for all the attempted and half successful licking.
He is not a slobbering type of dog. Very clean and cute.
He is the most gentle and lovable dog I have ever known. He is huge about 80 pounds.
He spends his days sleeping and playing. There is also a beautiful cat in the apartment and Carlo and him are like brothers. The just get along perfectly. They sleep together and play together. Like with kids there is a little jealousy between them but nothing serious.
Carlo sleeps on the bed and if it is not warm enough he must be covered. He eats dog food if necessary but prefers people food. He snores like a person and sleeps on his back with his face on a pillow.
He hast be taken out for walks a few times a day and because they live right across a large park he just loves being there. He has several friends (dogs) and when they meet they just go totally nuts playing. They like to roughhouse but never too rough.
He loves to ride in the car mainly in ours because ours is an SUV and he sits in the back in the cargo area that's very comfortable to him..
He doesn't bark and makes friend with everybody he meets. The other night my wife and I went over to their house and while my wife and her son were working on the computer I was with Carlo.
I lied down on their bed and within minutes he was lying next to me, on top of me, his head on my shoulder on my arm and in the process was licking me like I was an ice cream cone.
He was so adorable that I couldn't get angry at him for all the attempted and half successful licking.
He is not a slobbering type of dog. Very clean and cute.
Wednesday, November 30, 2016
Tuesday
It is totally ridiculous what goes on in this country. On November 8 there was a presidential election. On that election Donald Trump won the electorate vote with a pretty considerable margin. Now some sore losers are demanding a recount just because the election didn't turn out the way they wanted to.
I thought we live in a democratic society. But apparently we are not. This seems like a dictatorship where a minority dictates the rules the way it is advantageous for them.
Hillary Clinton conceded the election. Accepted Trump as the winner. The world accepted him as the winner. Now why it is necessary to go through this circus of a recount. What does that old woman from the Green Party expect to achieve.
And why did she run and what the hell is the Green Party? I'll bet she is getting aid by the Clintons to create this chaos. Because that is exactly what would happen if the election results are changed.
First there would be such a chaos in this country that nobody would believe it, second the United States would become the total laughing stock of the world. No money or loud talk would be able to buy back their prestige.
The new president would also be the laughing stock of the world and would be looked at as the Castro of the US.
Is that is what we want? I always thought a democratic election is one where the winner wins according to the rules. May those be the electoral votes or popular votes. Neither system is perfect but that is what we have here. And, if we don't like the results we live with it for four years and then change it.
But certainly don't change the outcome of a democratic election just because it was not as democratic as we wanted it.
I thought we live in a democratic society. But apparently we are not. This seems like a dictatorship where a minority dictates the rules the way it is advantageous for them.
Hillary Clinton conceded the election. Accepted Trump as the winner. The world accepted him as the winner. Now why it is necessary to go through this circus of a recount. What does that old woman from the Green Party expect to achieve.
And why did she run and what the hell is the Green Party? I'll bet she is getting aid by the Clintons to create this chaos. Because that is exactly what would happen if the election results are changed.
First there would be such a chaos in this country that nobody would believe it, second the United States would become the total laughing stock of the world. No money or loud talk would be able to buy back their prestige.
The new president would also be the laughing stock of the world and would be looked at as the Castro of the US.
Is that is what we want? I always thought a democratic election is one where the winner wins according to the rules. May those be the electoral votes or popular votes. Neither system is perfect but that is what we have here. And, if we don't like the results we live with it for four years and then change it.
But certainly don't change the outcome of a democratic election just because it was not as democratic as we wanted it.
Tuesday, November 29, 2016
Monday
When I returned from my visit in Hungary in 2014 I brought back a few bottles of Hungarian brandy (palinka) and a couple of bottles of Polish slivovitz. This is same as the brandy.
Somehow if I drink the American stuff it gives me a shake and I just don't like it. But when I drink the Hungarian or the Polish stuff they give me no problem. To me this is a scientific miracle.
Well, sadly we finished off the last bottle during the Thanksgiving weekend. Now there is no more of this and I am very sad about it.
I just will have to make sure hat when somebody whom I know will go to Hungary will bring me back a few bottles of this good stuff. Interestingly there are a lots of different kinds of alcoholic drinks on the store shelves but none of these can be found here in the States.
I wonder why there is no market for such things. Vodkas are on the other hand in abundance. Every week there is a new brand coming out. Some claim to be Russian some re really Russian. And their price ranges are all over the scale.
I like vodka and to me the good vodka is the cheap vodka. Since I only drink it mixed I will not spend extra money on a designer brand.
Cheapovski brand is the best.
Somehow if I drink the American stuff it gives me a shake and I just don't like it. But when I drink the Hungarian or the Polish stuff they give me no problem. To me this is a scientific miracle.
Well, sadly we finished off the last bottle during the Thanksgiving weekend. Now there is no more of this and I am very sad about it.
I just will have to make sure hat when somebody whom I know will go to Hungary will bring me back a few bottles of this good stuff. Interestingly there are a lots of different kinds of alcoholic drinks on the store shelves but none of these can be found here in the States.
I wonder why there is no market for such things. Vodkas are on the other hand in abundance. Every week there is a new brand coming out. Some claim to be Russian some re really Russian. And their price ranges are all over the scale.
I like vodka and to me the good vodka is the cheap vodka. Since I only drink it mixed I will not spend extra money on a designer brand.
Cheapovski brand is the best.
Monday, November 28, 2016
Sunday
Today is Sunday and as it is usual we rested. We really didn't do anything useful. Slept late and then went out to lunch with a very good friend and his wife.
It was just the four of us, Abigail stayed home.
This is a very nice couple whom I know for a long time and fortunately my wife warmed to them also. We see each other about once a month and most of the time for a late lunch.
Today was no exception. We met at 2 pm and didn't leave the restaurant until almost 6 pm. Well, the place is a diner and they let us sit there for a long time without any bother.
What can we talk about for four hours?
Anything and everything. From travel, to shopping to health to food to politics to personal things. We know each other well, meaning there is nothing to hold back on. And that makes talking very easy.
I love to talk to friends and so does my friend. But don't feel sorry for the women. They were not left behind in our little talk festival.
At the end we all had a good time, ate well and around 6 pm parted company. This doesn't mean we won't talk for a month. We'll be communicating on the telephone pretty frequently. At least until they go away.
My friend and his wife are going on a two month vacation that will include cruise and land stay.
Tough life they live.
It was just the four of us, Abigail stayed home.
This is a very nice couple whom I know for a long time and fortunately my wife warmed to them also. We see each other about once a month and most of the time for a late lunch.
Today was no exception. We met at 2 pm and didn't leave the restaurant until almost 6 pm. Well, the place is a diner and they let us sit there for a long time without any bother.
What can we talk about for four hours?
Anything and everything. From travel, to shopping to health to food to politics to personal things. We know each other well, meaning there is nothing to hold back on. And that makes talking very easy.
I love to talk to friends and so does my friend. But don't feel sorry for the women. They were not left behind in our little talk festival.
At the end we all had a good time, ate well and around 6 pm parted company. This doesn't mean we won't talk for a month. We'll be communicating on the telephone pretty frequently. At least until they go away.
My friend and his wife are going on a two month vacation that will include cruise and land stay.
Tough life they live.
Saturday, November 26, 2016
Thursday/Frday
So I ate too much turkey yesterday and afterwards was not able to think straight.
Well, Thanksgiving (the day) is over. Yesterday we were invited to my wife's son for a traditional turkey dinner.
For a guy who never ever cooked a turkey in his life this one turned out fantastic. I love the drumstick and polished one off with half the turkey attached to it. There was soup, stuffing others side dishes, deserts and drinks.
We had wine and for desert we had Polish Slivovitz. This is a very potent short drink that we drank the long way. Put us all into a very happy frame of mind.
Today is Black Friday when the throngs of people go shopping and all hoping to land the deals of a lifetime. On this day the malls are wall to wall people with many stores opening around midnight and surprisingly people taking advantage of it.
Today is an official workday but most of the workplaces give today off. I for one don't remember when the Friday after Thanksgiving was not a holiday for me.
I keep telling my wife that today is still part of the holiday but she doesn't give me any breaks. Laundry, house cleaning and other mundane chores. Abigail is home from school and that is just about the only thing that makes today different.
But the good husband that I am, I just grin and bear it.
Well, Thanksgiving (the day) is over. Yesterday we were invited to my wife's son for a traditional turkey dinner.
For a guy who never ever cooked a turkey in his life this one turned out fantastic. I love the drumstick and polished one off with half the turkey attached to it. There was soup, stuffing others side dishes, deserts and drinks.
We had wine and for desert we had Polish Slivovitz. This is a very potent short drink that we drank the long way. Put us all into a very happy frame of mind.
Today is Black Friday when the throngs of people go shopping and all hoping to land the deals of a lifetime. On this day the malls are wall to wall people with many stores opening around midnight and surprisingly people taking advantage of it.
Today is an official workday but most of the workplaces give today off. I for one don't remember when the Friday after Thanksgiving was not a holiday for me.
I keep telling my wife that today is still part of the holiday but she doesn't give me any breaks. Laundry, house cleaning and other mundane chores. Abigail is home from school and that is just about the only thing that makes today different.
But the good husband that I am, I just grin and bear it.
Thursday, November 24, 2016
Wednesday
Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. This will be a long, four day weekend. For those who work and get Friday off it is great. For a retiree it doesn't much matter. Except there will be crowds everywhere throughout the entire weekend.
Abigail wil take advantage of this because she will be home until Monday morning.
Right after this Holiday the Christmas madness will start. Actually at some places it has already started. At my apartment building the staff yesterday decorated the entrance with colored lights and decorating the two large trees at each side of the entrance.
Yesterday I saw into a private house where there was a christmas tree standing in all its glory.
Now that is idiotic. X-mas is on December 25 and to decorate a tree in a private home on November is kind of stupid.
Pretty soon they will be having the decorations on all year through. It wouldn't surprise me at all.
Anyway I wish a nice Thanksgiving to all.
Abigail wil take advantage of this because she will be home until Monday morning.
Right after this Holiday the Christmas madness will start. Actually at some places it has already started. At my apartment building the staff yesterday decorated the entrance with colored lights and decorating the two large trees at each side of the entrance.
Yesterday I saw into a private house where there was a christmas tree standing in all its glory.
Now that is idiotic. X-mas is on December 25 and to decorate a tree in a private home on November is kind of stupid.
Pretty soon they will be having the decorations on all year through. It wouldn't surprise me at all.
Anyway I wish a nice Thanksgiving to all.
Wednesday, November 23, 2016
Tuesday
Really don't mind giving pleasure to people. Even if it costs me money.
My wife's son's birthday is on December 25. The poor guy is losing out on either Christmas or his birthday.
He is 25 years old. How can somebody be that young? It is very upsetting.
Anyway the poor kid loves computers and his broke down quite a while ago. So, we decided to buy him one for his Day. This afternoon my wife and I went to the nearest Apple Store and bought him a new computer. Not a notebook but a full 21.5" computer.
We asked him very cryptically if he was home tonight and when he said yes we showed up with the stuff.
That look of surprise on his face was worth anything. He was completely taken back with the present. He kept repeatedly hugging his mom and me he was o happy. He immediately set up the computer, tomorrow the Internet will be installed by the cable company so he will be ready to go.
Even if I am a Scrooge at other things giving pleasure like this is worth anything.
My wife's son's birthday is on December 25. The poor guy is losing out on either Christmas or his birthday.
He is 25 years old. How can somebody be that young? It is very upsetting.
Anyway the poor kid loves computers and his broke down quite a while ago. So, we decided to buy him one for his Day. This afternoon my wife and I went to the nearest Apple Store and bought him a new computer. Not a notebook but a full 21.5" computer.
We asked him very cryptically if he was home tonight and when he said yes we showed up with the stuff.
That look of surprise on his face was worth anything. He was completely taken back with the present. He kept repeatedly hugging his mom and me he was o happy. He immediately set up the computer, tomorrow the Internet will be installed by the cable company so he will be ready to go.
Even if I am a Scrooge at other things giving pleasure like this is worth anything.
Tuesday, November 22, 2016
Monday
I don't pretend to be a wine connoisseur. I don't know wine and any good wine just would be a waste on me. However I do like sweet wines, fruity wines.
The experts drawn on these but I really don't care. It is my palate and not theirs. I read several times that people bought really old wines at auctions for lots of money and when they opened the bottle it turned out to be vinegar.
For me the cheaper and sweeter is the better.
I know that Walmart sells wine for about $5.99 a bottle. They have a variety of different types. I heard on the radio that there was a wine contest or whatever they call it and from all the different wines one of Walmart's $5.99 type won the first prize.
Now that is a kick n the groin for all the wine drinking snobs.
The experts drawn on these but I really don't care. It is my palate and not theirs. I read several times that people bought really old wines at auctions for lots of money and when they opened the bottle it turned out to be vinegar.
For me the cheaper and sweeter is the better.
I know that Walmart sells wine for about $5.99 a bottle. They have a variety of different types. I heard on the radio that there was a wine contest or whatever they call it and from all the different wines one of Walmart's $5.99 type won the first prize.
Now that is a kick n the groin for all the wine drinking snobs.
Monday, November 21, 2016
Sunday
In my school years I was never good at biology and chemistry. Not that I flunked but just couldn't understand it. I'm sure our subjects were not as complicated as they are now but still, they were difficult enough for me.
I chose a field to work in and "excell" and it had nothing to do with biology and chemistry.
Tonight Abigail asked me to help her out with some homework questions in biology.
Now, I have no problem with the English language but listening to the questions I had no clue what she was talking about. It was a little embarrassing. But Abigail has a very good memory for certain things.
She remembered that my cousin's wife majored in biology a "few" years ago. So, we called her and she graciously offered to help. She was fantastic. Remembered most of the stuff and with her help Abigail was able to finish the homework.
It was funny. To her the questions didn't sound foreign at all.
I chose a field to work in and "excell" and it had nothing to do with biology and chemistry.
Tonight Abigail asked me to help her out with some homework questions in biology.
Now, I have no problem with the English language but listening to the questions I had no clue what she was talking about. It was a little embarrassing. But Abigail has a very good memory for certain things.
She remembered that my cousin's wife majored in biology a "few" years ago. So, we called her and she graciously offered to help. She was fantastic. Remembered most of the stuff and with her help Abigail was able to finish the homework.
It was funny. To her the questions didn't sound foreign at all.
Sunday, November 20, 2016
Saturday
Today is the 19th of November and I am already totally bored of Christmas. There is a radio station sex listen to every day because they play good easy music. Well, as of today they will be playing Christmas music every single day.
We had this station on all day and I'm getting sick of it.
When it all boils down there are not so too many Christmas songs that they can play. Meaning they are already repeating several of them and that will certainly not put me in a Holiday mood.
Every year mentioning of Christmas is beginning earlier and earlier. I think they should just leave everything up and have Christmas all year long. That is what businesses strive for anyway.
In various vacation spots I did see Christmas shops that were open all year long and believe it or not they had costumers. OK, they were not selling the cheap stuff local stores do but better quality almost like designer items.
Maybe they had the right idea, keep Christmas alive all year long. At least business wise.
We had this station on all day and I'm getting sick of it.
When it all boils down there are not so too many Christmas songs that they can play. Meaning they are already repeating several of them and that will certainly not put me in a Holiday mood.
Every year mentioning of Christmas is beginning earlier and earlier. I think they should just leave everything up and have Christmas all year long. That is what businesses strive for anyway.
In various vacation spots I did see Christmas shops that were open all year long and believe it or not they had costumers. OK, they were not selling the cheap stuff local stores do but better quality almost like designer items.
Maybe they had the right idea, keep Christmas alive all year long. At least business wise.
Saturday, November 19, 2016
Friday
Night before last my wife and I went to our first coop meeting. This is an annual happening where the owners of the apartments in our building meet with the elected board of directors. Last year we had opera tickets for the same night and we kind of selfishly chose to to the Opera instead the coop meeting.
This time we had no tickets and went to the meeting. What an assembly of losers! After the reading of the financial statement and the board president's report there were general questions from the attendees.
And this is when the fun started. Old ladies boring the assembly about lack of lights, why the doors are so heavy to open, why the doors don't close and a myriad of similar questions. I basically enjoyed listening to these because this way we kind go got to know our fellow residents.
One young lady walked up to us when she heard us speaking in Hungarian and it turned out that she was Hungarian too. We talked but I don't think we will become lifelong buddies. This just proves our old adage that there are Hungarians to be found everywhere.
There is a Jewish Temple in our neighborhood that rents out their hall to similar meetings. I think they make pretty good many since there are several large coop or condominium apartment buildings in this area.
The meeting lasted two hours and I think next year we will go to the Opera instead.
This time we had no tickets and went to the meeting. What an assembly of losers! After the reading of the financial statement and the board president's report there were general questions from the attendees.
And this is when the fun started. Old ladies boring the assembly about lack of lights, why the doors are so heavy to open, why the doors don't close and a myriad of similar questions. I basically enjoyed listening to these because this way we kind go got to know our fellow residents.
One young lady walked up to us when she heard us speaking in Hungarian and it turned out that she was Hungarian too. We talked but I don't think we will become lifelong buddies. This just proves our old adage that there are Hungarians to be found everywhere.
There is a Jewish Temple in our neighborhood that rents out their hall to similar meetings. I think they make pretty good many since there are several large coop or condominium apartment buildings in this area.
The meeting lasted two hours and I think next year we will go to the Opera instead.
Friday, November 18, 2016
Thursday
Today we didn't go shopping for doors, yet. But we did go to the quasi Hungarian butcher/meat store and bought good Hungarian style cold cuts.
We bought Pick salami, spicy head cheese, some spicy kielbasa (kolbasz), some fantastic bread and also some pig knuckles for later use.
I say for later use because the cold cuts very likely will not see the weekend. Actually, we ate most of it tonight for dinner.
I think it is along accepted thing that one can not go to shop for food in a hungry condition. Everything look good and everything look appetizing. If we compare prices the cost of food shopping is lower when we go on a full stomach than the other way around.
Today at the meat store my wife and I were both hungry.
We bought Pick salami, spicy head cheese, some spicy kielbasa (kolbasz), some fantastic bread and also some pig knuckles for later use.
I say for later use because the cold cuts very likely will not see the weekend. Actually, we ate most of it tonight for dinner.
I think it is along accepted thing that one can not go to shop for food in a hungry condition. Everything look good and everything look appetizing. If we compare prices the cost of food shopping is lower when we go on a full stomach than the other way around.
Today at the meat store my wife and I were both hungry.
Thursday, November 17, 2016
Wednesday
My wife, God bless her is a fantastic women. She wants nothing for herself and everything for the family. For me she wants nothing but the best things.
Regardless how busy she is she always has time to think about bettering our lives.
Yesterday she came forward with a thought that she had which keeps me awake at night.
We moved into this apartment that was fixed up. Meaning it was painted, a new kitchen built and two very nice, modern bathrooms. Good enough for me for many, many years.
My darling wife suggested that we have the entire place painted next Spring. Why, I asked? Just because, she said.
I could live with this small request but then she went on. As long as the walls are being painted why don't we replace all the base boards at the bottom. Now this would run to serious footage since it has to be done throughout the apartment.
If it must I can go along with this small request. But there was more. She advised me that she hated the doors we had and wanted to replace all of them, too. That is about thirteen doors with hardware (handles and not knobs and gold colored).
This was when I hit the floor and started to have sleepless nights.
I think I will have to go to back to work.
Regardless how busy she is she always has time to think about bettering our lives.
Yesterday she came forward with a thought that she had which keeps me awake at night.
We moved into this apartment that was fixed up. Meaning it was painted, a new kitchen built and two very nice, modern bathrooms. Good enough for me for many, many years.
My darling wife suggested that we have the entire place painted next Spring. Why, I asked? Just because, she said.
I could live with this small request but then she went on. As long as the walls are being painted why don't we replace all the base boards at the bottom. Now this would run to serious footage since it has to be done throughout the apartment.
If it must I can go along with this small request. But there was more. She advised me that she hated the doors we had and wanted to replace all of them, too. That is about thirteen doors with hardware (handles and not knobs and gold colored).
This was when I hit the floor and started to have sleepless nights.
I think I will have to go to back to work.
Tuesday, November 15, 2016
Monday
This evening I called a friend of mine I didn't tag to for quite a while. We used to work together and we always had a lot in common.
One common thing is that we both like to talk. Our telephone conversations used to last over an hour. Today's was much shorter only 45 minutes. My wife said we were like two gossipy old women.
I really take exceptions to that. We were not gossiping and we were not women. The old I agree with.
He shows genuine interest in our lives while I am interested in his affairs. That is not gossiping. That is just plain conversation between two friends.
What else two men can talk about? We were not discussing politics. He knows our views and we know his. Discussing politics would just lead to arguments and that must be avoided if friendships are to be maintained.
We talked about restaurants, travel and health issues. None of these were gossips.
Actually I wish he would have told me some gossips, I would have loved to hear some.
Monday, November 14, 2016
Sunday
Today was a very hard day for me. Was in bed 'till noon. The exhaustion of the last several days just came out. But it felt really good. Today we had nothing planned and we stuck to it.
Abigail is healing nicely but unfortunately she just developed a brutal cold. Now her nose is stuffed up and she is sneezing and coughing. I know my wife and I will eventually catch it it's just a question, when.
Tonight we were watching Sixty Minutes on CBS. This was a one hour segment where Trump and his family were interviewed last Friday. The show was very interesting and informative. This time he was more presidential and serious than ever before. I guess he now accepts the fact that he is the president elect.
At this time the more I listen to him the more I am convinced that he will be good for the country.
I have one advise to all those objectors here. If you don't like this democratic system, move. Russia can always use American expatriets.
And those outside the country who oppose him, stay wherever the hell you are because we certainly don't need your smartass kind.
Abigail is healing nicely but unfortunately she just developed a brutal cold. Now her nose is stuffed up and she is sneezing and coughing. I know my wife and I will eventually catch it it's just a question, when.
Tonight we were watching Sixty Minutes on CBS. This was a one hour segment where Trump and his family were interviewed last Friday. The show was very interesting and informative. This time he was more presidential and serious than ever before. I guess he now accepts the fact that he is the president elect.
At this time the more I listen to him the more I am convinced that he will be good for the country.
I have one advise to all those objectors here. If you don't like this democratic system, move. Russia can always use American expatriets.
And those outside the country who oppose him, stay wherever the hell you are because we certainly don't need your smartass kind.
Sunday, November 13, 2016
Saturday
My wife tells me we have a Facebook and if she tells me we have one than who am I to question it. Anyway, that Facebook is full of comments about the recent election. Some comments are positive while some are really negative.
Here I want to address the negative issues. First, people should be ashamed of themselves to write what they do write about the future president of the United States.
If they do not realize this election was done according to a democratic process. A process described in the Constitution. If these people do not want to accept a democratic process maybe they should go back where they came from. IF their countries would want them.
I just love the comments from those Hungarians who can not even write English. Maybe they should learn the language first before they comment on the system.
I also seen comments from people who do not live here in the States. Canadians should worry about Canada and Europeans should worry about Europe. Hungarians should worry about Hungary and fix their affairs over there before sticking their noses where they don't belong to.
As far as I am concerned people who do not live here have no right to criticize how we live. If idiot England wants to leave the EU that is their problem and not ours. If we choose Donald Trump as our next president that is our affair and not theirs and not Canada's.
The publisher of the Hungarian paper in New York wrote such idiotic articles about the President Elect and accused him of such things that if I were him I would just bury my head in sand and hope it will be forgotten.
I chose to live here in a free country. I chose to accept its ways. I might not like everything that happens but be it as it may I will accept it and not revolt against it. This is not a banana republic where revolts will change the regime.
Here is a thought: some Hungarians call him nazi and racist and bigot. If that is the case why are they so upset? Hungarians don't have to go next door for racial hatred. They get through their mothers' milk. They are all nazi sympathizers, racists and bigots. They hate Jews and they hate gypsies and everybody else.
If that is the case Trump should be their man.
Here I want to address the negative issues. First, people should be ashamed of themselves to write what they do write about the future president of the United States.
If they do not realize this election was done according to a democratic process. A process described in the Constitution. If these people do not want to accept a democratic process maybe they should go back where they came from. IF their countries would want them.
I just love the comments from those Hungarians who can not even write English. Maybe they should learn the language first before they comment on the system.
I also seen comments from people who do not live here in the States. Canadians should worry about Canada and Europeans should worry about Europe. Hungarians should worry about Hungary and fix their affairs over there before sticking their noses where they don't belong to.
As far as I am concerned people who do not live here have no right to criticize how we live. If idiot England wants to leave the EU that is their problem and not ours. If we choose Donald Trump as our next president that is our affair and not theirs and not Canada's.
The publisher of the Hungarian paper in New York wrote such idiotic articles about the President Elect and accused him of such things that if I were him I would just bury my head in sand and hope it will be forgotten.
I chose to live here in a free country. I chose to accept its ways. I might not like everything that happens but be it as it may I will accept it and not revolt against it. This is not a banana republic where revolts will change the regime.
Here is a thought: some Hungarians call him nazi and racist and bigot. If that is the case why are they so upset? Hungarians don't have to go next door for racial hatred. They get through their mothers' milk. They are all nazi sympathizers, racists and bigots. They hate Jews and they hate gypsies and everybody else.
If that is the case Trump should be their man.
Saturday, November 12, 2016
Friday
There is a government publication called the Plum Book. This publication lists every political government position and employee from the Executive branch all the way down to the last agency.
I found it because I stared to read about the transition process. It just boggled my mind to see how many people work within that machinery called government. I always knew it was a huge organization but never realized just how huge.
And this list only includes the executive positions. Behind every chief there are the countless number of nameless people working who do the real work.
The government is filled with political appointees who work on borrowed time. President out, their jobs are finished. They "voluntarily" submit their resignations and leave. A new bunch comes in.
Nobody can tell me that these people have country's interest at their hearts. Their pocketbook's interest is at their hearts. They all have to make sure that when the time comes for them to leave each have a cushy job waiting somewhere. And the only way hat will happen if they perform favors.
It's a sick system that needs to be fixed. But the way it is that it was always like this so why change it.
I found it because I stared to read about the transition process. It just boggled my mind to see how many people work within that machinery called government. I always knew it was a huge organization but never realized just how huge.
And this list only includes the executive positions. Behind every chief there are the countless number of nameless people working who do the real work.
The government is filled with political appointees who work on borrowed time. President out, their jobs are finished. They "voluntarily" submit their resignations and leave. A new bunch comes in.
Nobody can tell me that these people have country's interest at their hearts. Their pocketbook's interest is at their hearts. They all have to make sure that when the time comes for them to leave each have a cushy job waiting somewhere. And the only way hat will happen if they perform favors.
It's a sick system that needs to be fixed. But the way it is that it was always like this so why change it.
Friday, November 11, 2016
Thursday
Today we had a very busy day. It was a day that was spent making Abigail look and feel better.
I think I mentioned it before that she had cyst on her right ear. Today was the day it was removed. Because of certain insurance requirements we needed a doctor who was acceptable to her insurance company. After a long search we found the doctor who today did the procedure.
This involved getting up around 5:30 am and be in Manhattan before 8:15 for her appointment. The procedure was done within a hospital facility. I was totally impressed by the professionalism the way they treated her. They were kind and understanding throughout the entire time.
The doctor and the anesthesiologist took extra time to patiently explain the entire process and made sure she understood and was comfortable with it.
The process itself took only about half an hour but still we spent about five hours there including recuperation. We were home before two o'clock in the afternoon.
Abigail behaved like a pro. She was good, didn't complain. We were both very proud of her. Now she feels good and just waits for the little scar to heal. Luckily there is no school Friday this way she can stay home and just relax. Relaxing is never a problem with Abigail. She is pretty good at it.
Her mom and I on the other hand are totally exhausted. Worrying is exhausting.
I think I mentioned it before that she had cyst on her right ear. Today was the day it was removed. Because of certain insurance requirements we needed a doctor who was acceptable to her insurance company. After a long search we found the doctor who today did the procedure.
This involved getting up around 5:30 am and be in Manhattan before 8:15 for her appointment. The procedure was done within a hospital facility. I was totally impressed by the professionalism the way they treated her. They were kind and understanding throughout the entire time.
The doctor and the anesthesiologist took extra time to patiently explain the entire process and made sure she understood and was comfortable with it.
The process itself took only about half an hour but still we spent about five hours there including recuperation. We were home before two o'clock in the afternoon.
Abigail behaved like a pro. She was good, didn't complain. We were both very proud of her. Now she feels good and just waits for the little scar to heal. Luckily there is no school Friday this way she can stay home and just relax. Relaxing is never a problem with Abigail. She is pretty good at it.
Her mom and I on the other hand are totally exhausted. Worrying is exhausting.
Thursday, November 10, 2016
Wednesday
I am full of excuses for my tardiness. I didn't write yesterday because I was caught up in history making events. I don't know where it says that history making events make one sleepy but the end result was that I was very sleepy this morning.
Actually, we stayed up late watching the election returns but I couldn't hold it 'till 3 am when Trump was declared the winner. My wife stayed up and had the decency not to waken me up from my beauty sleep to let me know the results. She did it this morning.
Anyway, the man did it, he pulled off one of the biggest surprises in American history. Now we sit and watch what will happen. There is nothing else on TV all day but analysis of what happened and why did it happen and how did it happen.
It really pissed me off to watch people of Hilary Clinton's camp falling all over each other and crying crocodile tears because of the loss. What a ridiculous sight. Why do people have to cry because of a political loss?
The other thing what is interesting is to se how all the politicians who were anti Trump until a few days ago are now changing their colors and allegiances. They are doing it so fast that they are falling all over each other. This just proves that politicians have no conscience, no backbone. They bend whichever way the winds of power blows from.
And they have fantastic talent explaining their actions as ridiculous as it sounds.
I am too honest, I could never be a politician.
Actually, we stayed up late watching the election returns but I couldn't hold it 'till 3 am when Trump was declared the winner. My wife stayed up and had the decency not to waken me up from my beauty sleep to let me know the results. She did it this morning.
Anyway, the man did it, he pulled off one of the biggest surprises in American history. Now we sit and watch what will happen. There is nothing else on TV all day but analysis of what happened and why did it happen and how did it happen.
It really pissed me off to watch people of Hilary Clinton's camp falling all over each other and crying crocodile tears because of the loss. What a ridiculous sight. Why do people have to cry because of a political loss?
The other thing what is interesting is to se how all the politicians who were anti Trump until a few days ago are now changing their colors and allegiances. They are doing it so fast that they are falling all over each other. This just proves that politicians have no conscience, no backbone. They bend whichever way the winds of power blows from.
And they have fantastic talent explaining their actions as ridiculous as it sounds.
I am too honest, I could never be a politician.
Tuesday, November 8, 2016
Monday
I feel really bad that I skipped yesterday. Actually, I don't feel bad at all. Yesterday was Sunday and we had a good time and at the end I just couldn't get to writing.
But I have to tell what we did on Saturday.
I already mentioned that Abigail has ambitions to become a chef when she grows up. In reality she doesn't have a clue what being a chef is all about but the bottom line is that she likes to cook. And by mutual agreement we decided to let her cook on Saturdays, at least for a while.
A week ago she prepared a pretty good chili for dinner. This Saturday because she knows that her mother loves it she made Zuppa Toscana.
This is an Italian soup with meat, kale, potatoes, onions, garlic and heavy cream. I have to admit that the soup was pretty good. Olive Gardens makes the same soup but I think hers was better.
I don't know what she is planning for next week but I'm sure it will be good. At her first try her mom had to stand by her throughout the cooking but lately she is becoming very independent.
I honestly hope she will succeed if this is what she wants to do.
But I have to tell what we did on Saturday.
I already mentioned that Abigail has ambitions to become a chef when she grows up. In reality she doesn't have a clue what being a chef is all about but the bottom line is that she likes to cook. And by mutual agreement we decided to let her cook on Saturdays, at least for a while.
A week ago she prepared a pretty good chili for dinner. This Saturday because she knows that her mother loves it she made Zuppa Toscana.
This is an Italian soup with meat, kale, potatoes, onions, garlic and heavy cream. I have to admit that the soup was pretty good. Olive Gardens makes the same soup but I think hers was better.
I don't know what she is planning for next week but I'm sure it will be good. At her first try her mom had to stand by her throughout the cooking but lately she is becoming very independent.
I honestly hope she will succeed if this is what she wants to do.
Sunday, November 6, 2016
Saturday
I can not get used to the fact that how much stuff we as a family use a week. There is the three of us, my wife, Abigail and me and it doesn't seem like we eat a lot, yet every week we buy enormous amounts of food.
Today we went shopping to three different stores and had to make three turns to the car to bring the stuff upstairs. Abigail doesn't eat much, my wife and I don't eat much yet, the food just disappears.
We buy snack for all of us. We do laundry every week and the detergents just fly out of the bottles. We use a lot of paper therefore paper towels, tissues, napkins and toilet papers are being used like crazy.
Soap, toothpaste and other things like bottled water and sodas just "disappear". I am in charge of filling up the paper supply in the house and every day I have to refresh some supply.
It boiled down to that whenever we come home, regardless from where we come home with shopping bags.
Last season we went to the Opera and came home with shopping bags.
Today we went shopping to three different stores and had to make three turns to the car to bring the stuff upstairs. Abigail doesn't eat much, my wife and I don't eat much yet, the food just disappears.
We buy snack for all of us. We do laundry every week and the detergents just fly out of the bottles. We use a lot of paper therefore paper towels, tissues, napkins and toilet papers are being used like crazy.
Soap, toothpaste and other things like bottled water and sodas just "disappear". I am in charge of filling up the paper supply in the house and every day I have to refresh some supply.
It boiled down to that whenever we come home, regardless from where we come home with shopping bags.
Last season we went to the Opera and came home with shopping bags.
Saturday, November 5, 2016
Friday
As I said the other day we bought a cd of the first season of a TV show we are now hooked on. This package has I think 26 one hour episodes on. We started to watch on Sunday night and last night we finished the whole thing.
We just couldn't stop watching it. It is an action series with a lots of shooting and it was very interesting. Anyway, on Thursday night around midnight we finished it.
Now there is that empty feeling of what to do next.
I think that is the problem with watching TV shows from ids. It is difficult to watch just one episode but then one gets carried away and watches several uninterrupted hours. Most of these show are continuations of the previous episodes and watching them from ids it is easier to see the continuity.
Something else.
This morning I took Abigail to school. After that I took my wife to the dentist. After that I went to Abigail's school to take her out and take her to the orthodontist appointment.
As far as I am concerned life is full of mileage.
We just couldn't stop watching it. It is an action series with a lots of shooting and it was very interesting. Anyway, on Thursday night around midnight we finished it.
Now there is that empty feeling of what to do next.
I think that is the problem with watching TV shows from ids. It is difficult to watch just one episode but then one gets carried away and watches several uninterrupted hours. Most of these show are continuations of the previous episodes and watching them from ids it is easier to see the continuity.
Something else.
This morning I took Abigail to school. After that I took my wife to the dentist. After that I went to Abigail's school to take her out and take her to the orthodontist appointment.
As far as I am concerned life is full of mileage.
Thursday, November 3, 2016
Wednesday
We are living in world of passwords. There are so many passwords necessary in everyday life that it is impossible to remember all.
Everything we have on the Internet need a password. The safety experts tell you use different passwords for different things and periodically change them.
We keep a two page list of all the passwords we need to look up accounts, to pay bills, to write e-mails and for other stuff. It is unbelievable how safe we must be if we really want to protect our lives.
The way I see it it is impossible to remember all of them and that is why a list is necessary. The problem comes when we want to use something that was not used a very long time and suddenly now it is needed.
That is how we are with our older computer. When it was set up a password was used but not recorded. We purchased an Apple and the other computer was neglected. The other day we wanted to use it because it is a Microsoft and asked for the password.
None of us was able to recall what we used. After several unsuccessful tries the computer locked us out for any further tries. Eventually my wife's' son solved the problem but it just emphasizes the problem with passwords.
Remembering my ss number, my telephone number, my address, today's date hope to God I'll never have amnesia.
Everything we have on the Internet need a password. The safety experts tell you use different passwords for different things and periodically change them.
We keep a two page list of all the passwords we need to look up accounts, to pay bills, to write e-mails and for other stuff. It is unbelievable how safe we must be if we really want to protect our lives.
The way I see it it is impossible to remember all of them and that is why a list is necessary. The problem comes when we want to use something that was not used a very long time and suddenly now it is needed.
That is how we are with our older computer. When it was set up a password was used but not recorded. We purchased an Apple and the other computer was neglected. The other day we wanted to use it because it is a Microsoft and asked for the password.
None of us was able to recall what we used. After several unsuccessful tries the computer locked us out for any further tries. Eventually my wife's' son solved the problem but it just emphasizes the problem with passwords.
Remembering my ss number, my telephone number, my address, today's date hope to God I'll never have amnesia.
Wednesday, November 2, 2016
Tuesday
Post script to Halloween. Abigail came home with a fairly large bag of candies. They were not sorted out yet but she seemed to be pretty satisfied. I guess today she will have time to do that.
Something else.
Today is the first time that the political polls indicated a Trump lead. Granted that is only about 1% but still it is a lead. In my opinion if he doesn't mess it up he might have a good chance to win the election. Who knows. Interesting things have been known to happen in politics. Like the Dewey/Truman election in 1948.
If anybody doesn't know what happened look it up in Wikipedia.
I'm a great fan of Wikipedia. Some people say they are not reliable but as far as I'm concerned they still know more than I do and if they miss a few facts, who cares.
Today is All Saint's Day. This is a holiday in the Roman Catholic calendar. I don't think anybody stays home from work because of this holiday. But still, alternate parking in New York City is suspended.
I can see when alternate parking is suspended on Jewish holidays. According to religion driving cars is not permitted on most of the Jewish holidays. But what difference does it make on a Christian holiday?
Unless the Department of Sanitation is so religious that they serve all the religious holidays.
Something else.
Today is the first time that the political polls indicated a Trump lead. Granted that is only about 1% but still it is a lead. In my opinion if he doesn't mess it up he might have a good chance to win the election. Who knows. Interesting things have been known to happen in politics. Like the Dewey/Truman election in 1948.
If anybody doesn't know what happened look it up in Wikipedia.
I'm a great fan of Wikipedia. Some people say they are not reliable but as far as I'm concerned they still know more than I do and if they miss a few facts, who cares.
Today is All Saint's Day. This is a holiday in the Roman Catholic calendar. I don't think anybody stays home from work because of this holiday. But still, alternate parking in New York City is suspended.
I can see when alternate parking is suspended on Jewish holidays. According to religion driving cars is not permitted on most of the Jewish holidays. But what difference does it make on a Christian holiday?
Unless the Department of Sanitation is so religious that they serve all the religious holidays.
Tuesday, November 1, 2016
Monday
This is a repeat remembrance that I do every year on this day.
Today is Holloween. Now that by itself has absolutely no meaning of any importance to me, except that it is a special day for me.
Fifty nine years ago today I arrived at Idlewild International Airport in New York. I knew I was in New York and that was in America but that was about all of it. Didn't know much about the US but still chose to come here. And retrospect I am not sorry I came.
I and nobody on the bus on the way to our hotel had any idea about what today was. When our bus stopped at red lights we all saw these kids dressed in various forms of costumes. We just looked at each other questioningly saying is this the way American kids dress? Didn't seem very normal.
It took a while to understand the significance of Holloween. Actually it has no significance at all.
Kids dress in costumes and there is a gay parade in Manhattan. Abigail is all exited about this day because she is going out with her friends trick or treating after school. But when I asked her what Holloween is all about she had no clue. All she and her friends can think about is costumes and candy.
Nice to be a kid in these days.
Today is Holloween. Now that by itself has absolutely no meaning of any importance to me, except that it is a special day for me.
Fifty nine years ago today I arrived at Idlewild International Airport in New York. I knew I was in New York and that was in America but that was about all of it. Didn't know much about the US but still chose to come here. And retrospect I am not sorry I came.
I and nobody on the bus on the way to our hotel had any idea about what today was. When our bus stopped at red lights we all saw these kids dressed in various forms of costumes. We just looked at each other questioningly saying is this the way American kids dress? Didn't seem very normal.
It took a while to understand the significance of Holloween. Actually it has no significance at all.
Kids dress in costumes and there is a gay parade in Manhattan. Abigail is all exited about this day because she is going out with her friends trick or treating after school. But when I asked her what Holloween is all about she had no clue. All she and her friends can think about is costumes and candy.
Nice to be a kid in these days.
Monday, October 31, 2016
Sunday
This is probably all I can write about today. We had a lovely day. Didn't do anything we wanted to yet, the day turned out fairly well.
We bought a new DVD player since we don't have one, spent about an hour figuring out how to use it and wound up looking at a cd for about four hours. It was five one hour shows of season one of a show we really like and had no chance seeing before.
So we just sat front of the TV and watched them one after another with no commercials.
This package came with five cds and we have four more to see. Now that the weekend is over we will watch them at a slower pace.
Interestingly, it was not us who got the DVD player working but Abigail. We were not able to make heads or tail out of the stupid machine. She walked up to it, pushed a button here a button there on the remotes and lo and behold the damn thing worked.
Ain't technology great? It needs babies to operate it.
We bought a new DVD player since we don't have one, spent about an hour figuring out how to use it and wound up looking at a cd for about four hours. It was five one hour shows of season one of a show we really like and had no chance seeing before.
So we just sat front of the TV and watched them one after another with no commercials.
This package came with five cds and we have four more to see. Now that the weekend is over we will watch them at a slower pace.
Interestingly, it was not us who got the DVD player working but Abigail. We were not able to make heads or tail out of the stupid machine. She walked up to it, pushed a button here a button there on the remotes and lo and behold the damn thing worked.
Ain't technology great? It needs babies to operate it.
Sunday, October 30, 2016
Saturday
Abigail keeps saying that when she grows up she wants to be a chef. Her long range plans include a fancy restaurant with a yet undecided theme.
Since there is a long list of foods she hates, at least that is what she says when her mother puts dinner on the table, I would be very curious to se how this chef business will turn out. As far as I am concerned there is nothing wrong with being a chef.
The only problem with this plan as I can see it is that she wants to start immediately at the top. She doesn't believe in working your way up.
But, she does have a talent to cooking. More than once she cooked us dinner. Granted, she makes a mess in the kitchen and also asks Mom too many questions but still she likes what she is doing.
Tonite she made us chili. It is not a complicated dish, I probably couldn't make it but she did. And it was pretty good.
Since she know that I really don't like very spicy food she made an effort not to make the chili hot. Tonight she set the table and served dinner. We all had two or more helpings because the food was so good.
At the end I congratulated her on her effort and told her everything was very good.
The scary thing (for me) is that she left her cookbook on the kitchen counter implying that there will be more cooking forthcoming.
Since there is a long list of foods she hates, at least that is what she says when her mother puts dinner on the table, I would be very curious to se how this chef business will turn out. As far as I am concerned there is nothing wrong with being a chef.
The only problem with this plan as I can see it is that she wants to start immediately at the top. She doesn't believe in working your way up.
But, she does have a talent to cooking. More than once she cooked us dinner. Granted, she makes a mess in the kitchen and also asks Mom too many questions but still she likes what she is doing.
Tonite she made us chili. It is not a complicated dish, I probably couldn't make it but she did. And it was pretty good.
Since she know that I really don't like very spicy food she made an effort not to make the chili hot. Tonight she set the table and served dinner. We all had two or more helpings because the food was so good.
At the end I congratulated her on her effort and told her everything was very good.
The scary thing (for me) is that she left her cookbook on the kitchen counter implying that there will be more cooking forthcoming.
Saturday, October 29, 2016
Friday
Just a short note. Last night after long and unnecessarily long conversation with the airline my claim has successfully was resolved. Haven't seen any more returned but they promised and the sucker that I am I believed them. We'll see.
Something else.
There used to be a very nice and large bookstore chain called Barnes & Noble. They had stores everywhere a few close to where we live. Due to the fact that people gave up reading many of their stores were closed.
I can understand that. Can't make more from people who come to the store, pull a book off the shelf, sit down and read it. Then return it to the shelf and leave.
Why do I know this? Because I used to do that too.
There is no such bookstore in my area at all. But my wife wanted to see the first season of a particular TV show that we just begun to like in their second season.
According to their website they had the dvd in a store just outside the City line in Long Island. So, this afternoon we drove out fighting rush hour traffic. Got to the store and were told that they were sorry but stopped selling dvds some time ago.
Cursed, got back in the car and drove home. Then started to search to se where that particular dvd is available. Found a few stores (Target and Best Buy) where it is available so now we have tomorrow's program already set.
Wo says life is dull?
Something else.
There used to be a very nice and large bookstore chain called Barnes & Noble. They had stores everywhere a few close to where we live. Due to the fact that people gave up reading many of their stores were closed.
I can understand that. Can't make more from people who come to the store, pull a book off the shelf, sit down and read it. Then return it to the shelf and leave.
Why do I know this? Because I used to do that too.
There is no such bookstore in my area at all. But my wife wanted to see the first season of a particular TV show that we just begun to like in their second season.
According to their website they had the dvd in a store just outside the City line in Long Island. So, this afternoon we drove out fighting rush hour traffic. Got to the store and were told that they were sorry but stopped selling dvds some time ago.
Cursed, got back in the car and drove home. Then started to search to se where that particular dvd is available. Found a few stores (Target and Best Buy) where it is available so now we have tomorrow's program already set.
Wo says life is dull?
Friday, October 28, 2016
Thursday
All day today I was fighting the establishment. It is unimaginable how tiring that is. I spent hours on the telephone and hours on the computer. So far I have no idea if I won anything.
I am fighting with the car dealership for some administrative thing they still owe us. They try to make us look like idiots for asking but we will not give up. I wrote a certified letter to the owner of the dealership requesting his help. Time will tell.
The other thing I am fighting with is an airline. We have their credit card, a new one and their promise is that first time users will get a 50% companion ticket discount. Tuesday night we bought two tickets and there was no discount anywhere.
Today I was handed over to about a half a dozen people who one after another was not able to answer why there was no discount. I spoke to low level people and I spoke to supervisors. The bottom line was that nobody really knew how to handle or resolve my problem.
It is amazing how many people are working at jobs they have no clue about. Maybe they are hired on the basis that they are handicapped.
Stupidity is a handicap.
I am fighting with the car dealership for some administrative thing they still owe us. They try to make us look like idiots for asking but we will not give up. I wrote a certified letter to the owner of the dealership requesting his help. Time will tell.
The other thing I am fighting with is an airline. We have their credit card, a new one and their promise is that first time users will get a 50% companion ticket discount. Tuesday night we bought two tickets and there was no discount anywhere.
Today I was handed over to about a half a dozen people who one after another was not able to answer why there was no discount. I spoke to low level people and I spoke to supervisors. The bottom line was that nobody really knew how to handle or resolve my problem.
It is amazing how many people are working at jobs they have no clue about. Maybe they are hired on the basis that they are handicapped.
Stupidity is a handicap.
Thursday, October 27, 2016
Wednesday
Today I had a very important task to do. I pride myself to speak and understand English pretty well. Maybe not as well as I did when I worked years ago but still good enough.
Let's say I understand menus and pretty much everything important. Important is the key word. If I don't understand it it is not important.
Anyway, today I had to translate something from Hungarian to English in an official format. Man, that is hard work.
Those Hungarians use weird words and more than once I had to look in the dictionary to find their equivalent in English. And then use my judgement which word was the better.
After the translation I have to get a notary public to sign a statement that says I translated it and I am good at this.
Actually, the subject was not that interesting. It was my birth certificate.
Let's say I understand menus and pretty much everything important. Important is the key word. If I don't understand it it is not important.
Anyway, today I had to translate something from Hungarian to English in an official format. Man, that is hard work.
Those Hungarians use weird words and more than once I had to look in the dictionary to find their equivalent in English. And then use my judgement which word was the better.
After the translation I have to get a notary public to sign a statement that says I translated it and I am good at this.
Actually, the subject was not that interesting. It was my birth certificate.
Wednesday, October 26, 2016
Tuesday
Just a short note about how time flies.
This past Sunday was October 23. Why is it an important date for us Hungarians? Because 60 years ago on that day most of my friends' and acquintances' and my life had drastically changed.
To most of us it changed for the better but it is hard to judge to say what would have happened if that fateful day didn't arrive.
On October 23, 1956 Hungary rose up against the Soviet Union and for a few days it enjoyed unbelievable freedom and world sympathy. On November 4, 1956 the Soviets had enough and returned with a vengeance. They brutally broke the revolution and reinstated a new government under their control.
This was the beginning of the exodus that saw tens of thousands of Hungarians flee the country. Most of my friends left around that time or a little earlier. I left in late January of 1957 and by that time many were already here in the US.
Thinking back for the past sixty years it just does not seem like such a long time. Maybe because it was not uneventful. We all had to start a brand new life with no knowledge of the language, no parental support, no financial base and many other nos.
But most succeeded to various extents. Most of my friends have nice families, good jobs, nice homes.
Only God knows how we would have fared had we stayed back in Hungary and tried our life there. Yet, I have old schoolmates who as I understand did pretty well for themselves.
But all in all just speaking for myself and for anew very close friends I can surely say that we are glad that we took that first step in 1956/1957.
As I alway say: good country, Amerika.
This past Sunday was October 23. Why is it an important date for us Hungarians? Because 60 years ago on that day most of my friends' and acquintances' and my life had drastically changed.
To most of us it changed for the better but it is hard to judge to say what would have happened if that fateful day didn't arrive.
On October 23, 1956 Hungary rose up against the Soviet Union and for a few days it enjoyed unbelievable freedom and world sympathy. On November 4, 1956 the Soviets had enough and returned with a vengeance. They brutally broke the revolution and reinstated a new government under their control.
This was the beginning of the exodus that saw tens of thousands of Hungarians flee the country. Most of my friends left around that time or a little earlier. I left in late January of 1957 and by that time many were already here in the US.
Thinking back for the past sixty years it just does not seem like such a long time. Maybe because it was not uneventful. We all had to start a brand new life with no knowledge of the language, no parental support, no financial base and many other nos.
But most succeeded to various extents. Most of my friends have nice families, good jobs, nice homes.
Only God knows how we would have fared had we stayed back in Hungary and tried our life there. Yet, I have old schoolmates who as I understand did pretty well for themselves.
But all in all just speaking for myself and for anew very close friends I can surely say that we are glad that we took that first step in 1956/1957.
As I alway say: good country, Amerika.
Tuesday, October 25, 2016
Monday
This is a total un-American statement but I do think that football, the American type is one of the world's dumbest sport, next to baseball.
American football as I see it is a stepchild of soccer and rugby with rugby having the stronger gene.
In this country it is extremely popular but in other places they look at it as a joke. Immigrants who come to this country pick t up just to show how americanized they became. It is also a huge moneymaker for both the owners and the players and that drives the game.
Years ago they tried to establish a league in Germany and I think in England but they all floundered.
Now the NFL players some games in London probably to gain some popularity. Yesterday two teams played there front of a nice crowd, probably mostly Americans.
Why in the world they have to pack up two teams and take them to England, alter a normally nice playing field just to play there for one day? What do they hope to gain, fans?
England has ticket that they find exciting and they have soccer (or football as it is called in the civilized world) and rugby that is a real man's sport. Why would they need American football where they have more waiting time than playing time?
One thing is sure, when I am in London and there is a football (American) game there I will not rush out to the stadium to see it.
American football as I see it is a stepchild of soccer and rugby with rugby having the stronger gene.
In this country it is extremely popular but in other places they look at it as a joke. Immigrants who come to this country pick t up just to show how americanized they became. It is also a huge moneymaker for both the owners and the players and that drives the game.
Years ago they tried to establish a league in Germany and I think in England but they all floundered.
Now the NFL players some games in London probably to gain some popularity. Yesterday two teams played there front of a nice crowd, probably mostly Americans.
Why in the world they have to pack up two teams and take them to England, alter a normally nice playing field just to play there for one day? What do they hope to gain, fans?
England has ticket that they find exciting and they have soccer (or football as it is called in the civilized world) and rugby that is a real man's sport. Why would they need American football where they have more waiting time than playing time?
One thing is sure, when I am in London and there is a football (American) game there I will not rush out to the stadium to see it.
Monday, October 24, 2016
Sunday
Here is a little Abigail story.
She came to us that some of her girlfriends found out that some store in a neighboring mall was giving out gift cards valued up to $150. I could be $5 or $150.
This was to be Saturday at 10am. She asked if she could go with them. Going was to be us getting up early and driving her to and wait until her majesty decides to come home. This was in a mall and the girls naturally wanted to wander around for a while.
We didn't like the idea but were not totally against it either.
But Friday night there was an argument between Abigail and her Mom where she was very disrespectful. The result was that she was told she couldn't go Saturday.
Saturday morning came and there was so much crying and drama that it was unbelievable but she stayed home.
She told us that all the girls got some cards but none of them any major amount. At the end we gave her $25 and told her that the store sent it to her.
But before this she called us unfair, terrible people, annoying etc.
After she got the money she did calm down and we had a fairly pleasant day after all.
This just proves and old saying that money can buy you happines.
She came to us that some of her girlfriends found out that some store in a neighboring mall was giving out gift cards valued up to $150. I could be $5 or $150.
This was to be Saturday at 10am. She asked if she could go with them. Going was to be us getting up early and driving her to and wait until her majesty decides to come home. This was in a mall and the girls naturally wanted to wander around for a while.
We didn't like the idea but were not totally against it either.
But Friday night there was an argument between Abigail and her Mom where she was very disrespectful. The result was that she was told she couldn't go Saturday.
Saturday morning came and there was so much crying and drama that it was unbelievable but she stayed home.
She told us that all the girls got some cards but none of them any major amount. At the end we gave her $25 and told her that the store sent it to her.
But before this she called us unfair, terrible people, annoying etc.
After she got the money she did calm down and we had a fairly pleasant day after all.
This just proves and old saying that money can buy you happines.
Sunday, October 23, 2016
Saturday/Sunday
Women claim that childbirth is painful, women claim that their monthly cycle is sometimes painful and is always uncomfortable.
But these don't come near to a man size cold! When a man gets a cold it makes him feel like a baby. And I am saying this from personal experience.
I didn't write yesterday because all day I was fighting this nasty cold. It came on during the day of Thursday and been sticking to me like glue.
I write this every year because I get a cold every year. I'll be lucky if this is all I'll have for the season. But who knows.
My throat hurts and scratchy. I feel like I am burning up yet, have no fever at all. My nose, my God given nose has been running all day long and with the constant blowing it is now red and big(ger).
Overall and in short I feel like crap.
My patient and darling wife is trying to keep up with me but it is not easy. She raised three kids so she knows a little more about home remedies. She makes me stuff that do make me a little more comfortable but the bottom line is that there is absolutely no remedy for a cold.
One just have to let it run its course which is about three to five days. I am now in day three and it doesn't seem to let up.
Maybe it will just feel sorry for me and suddenly leave my body. I can dream, no?
But these don't come near to a man size cold! When a man gets a cold it makes him feel like a baby. And I am saying this from personal experience.
I didn't write yesterday because all day I was fighting this nasty cold. It came on during the day of Thursday and been sticking to me like glue.
I write this every year because I get a cold every year. I'll be lucky if this is all I'll have for the season. But who knows.
My throat hurts and scratchy. I feel like I am burning up yet, have no fever at all. My nose, my God given nose has been running all day long and with the constant blowing it is now red and big(ger).
Overall and in short I feel like crap.
My patient and darling wife is trying to keep up with me but it is not easy. She raised three kids so she knows a little more about home remedies. She makes me stuff that do make me a little more comfortable but the bottom line is that there is absolutely no remedy for a cold.
One just have to let it run its course which is about three to five days. I am now in day three and it doesn't seem to let up.
Maybe it will just feel sorry for me and suddenly leave my body. I can dream, no?
Friday, October 21, 2016
Thursday
It is Thursday and the house is upside down. We are getting ready to receive friends for a late lunch. They are coming to our house the first time and we are anxious to show them a good time, good company and good food.
My wife got up early this morning in order to start cooking. I took Abigail to school so now we have a more relaxed environment and that will permit the preparations to go easier.
But like every housewife my wife also wants to make good impressions and wants to make sure everything is perfect.
Abigail got her orders not to accept any invitations from her friends to go over their house after school to play but come straight home. This morning she asked me if she would have to talk to these people.
I told her that they would very likely bring her some presents but she said that was expected but she still wanted to know if she had to talk to them.
My wife got up early this morning in order to start cooking. I took Abigail to school so now we have a more relaxed environment and that will permit the preparations to go easier.
But like every housewife my wife also wants to make good impressions and wants to make sure everything is perfect.
Abigail got her orders not to accept any invitations from her friends to go over their house after school to play but come straight home. This morning she asked me if she would have to talk to these people.
I told her that they would very likely bring her some presents but she said that was expected but she still wanted to know if she had to talk to them.
Thursday, October 20, 2016
Wednesday
Tonight was the final debate between Hilary Clinton and Donald Trump. I'm sure most of America watched it because as they say there have never been a presidential race in American history like this one.
It was very interesting and anything but boring. As I said throughout the campaign this is the best entertainement around. It is live, unrehearsed and frank. Maybe just Don Rickles is better than these two.
Anyway we watched it but I don't think too many people were affected by it meaning were made to change their vote. We might be looking forward having the first woman president in this country.
It is a shame because woman or not she still is a politician to the core while Trump is a businessman and it would be refreshing to have a non-politician in the White House finally.
They have two and a half weeks to go before it is all over and I'm sure they will try very hard to change the minds of the undecided.
In the morning of November 9 we will see which way the country is turning.
It was very interesting and anything but boring. As I said throughout the campaign this is the best entertainement around. It is live, unrehearsed and frank. Maybe just Don Rickles is better than these two.
Anyway we watched it but I don't think too many people were affected by it meaning were made to change their vote. We might be looking forward having the first woman president in this country.
It is a shame because woman or not she still is a politician to the core while Trump is a businessman and it would be refreshing to have a non-politician in the White House finally.
They have two and a half weeks to go before it is all over and I'm sure they will try very hard to change the minds of the undecided.
In the morning of November 9 we will see which way the country is turning.
Wednesday, October 19, 2016
Tuesday
I am sitting front of the computer and it is around 11:30 am. Abigail is off to school and there is just the two of us home. It is quiet and relaxed. It is almost a quiet before the storm. But there is no storm on the horizon.
This environment lasts until four in the afternoon when school is out and the second act of the day starts. Today we will make one more effort a finding the right type of shoes for her. She was told that this was going to be.
Abigail and her currently purchased boots are like an arranged marriage. In time they will get used to each other. There might be no love but they'll learn to live with one another.
After the shoe saga ends the Halloween preparations will begin. At this time Abigail knows what she will dress as and her stuff is ready but I wouldn't put any money on that it will not change in the eleventh hour.
After Holloween Christmas is just around the corner. I'm so grateful for the quiet life we have!
This environment lasts until four in the afternoon when school is out and the second act of the day starts. Today we will make one more effort a finding the right type of shoes for her. She was told that this was going to be.
Abigail and her currently purchased boots are like an arranged marriage. In time they will get used to each other. There might be no love but they'll learn to live with one another.
After the shoe saga ends the Halloween preparations will begin. At this time Abigail knows what she will dress as and her stuff is ready but I wouldn't put any money on that it will not change in the eleventh hour.
After Holloween Christmas is just around the corner. I'm so grateful for the quiet life we have!
Tuesday, October 18, 2016
Monday
Today my wife and I took a trip into Manhattan. After dropping Abigail off to school we got on the subway and rode into the Big Apple.
I keep saying that the best mode of transportation during the week is the subway system. We were lucky, the train came on time, we got seats and the car was air-conditioned. Today it was summery warm and an air-conditioned subway car was essential to our well being.
We went into midtown to the big Macy's store. My wife wanted to buy a jacket and wanted to looking at shoes.
That store is humongous. Today we had a chance walking through and through and saw a lot of changes everywhere.
Being a weekday the place was still fairly crowded. I guess it is also a touristy place.
My wife wanted to buy a pair of shoes for the winter instead bought a pair for the summer. These shoes she was looking for all summer long with no success but today she found it. She also bought a beautiful little jacket.
But the heartbreak was that she found a gorgeous leather blazer that was not available in her size. We asked the sales staff for assistance but to no avail. She was very sad and now we will try to get through the internet.
Technology might triumph over conventional sales methods.
I keep saying that the best mode of transportation during the week is the subway system. We were lucky, the train came on time, we got seats and the car was air-conditioned. Today it was summery warm and an air-conditioned subway car was essential to our well being.
We went into midtown to the big Macy's store. My wife wanted to buy a jacket and wanted to looking at shoes.
That store is humongous. Today we had a chance walking through and through and saw a lot of changes everywhere.
Being a weekday the place was still fairly crowded. I guess it is also a touristy place.
My wife wanted to buy a pair of shoes for the winter instead bought a pair for the summer. These shoes she was looking for all summer long with no success but today she found it. She also bought a beautiful little jacket.
But the heartbreak was that she found a gorgeous leather blazer that was not available in her size. We asked the sales staff for assistance but to no avail. She was very sad and now we will try to get through the internet.
Technology might triumph over conventional sales methods.
Monday, October 17, 2016
Sunday
There are many companies that sell clothing and other stuff. These companies exist nationwide and can be found all over.
One thing that we always expect is to find the same merchandise wherever we go. But that is not always the case.
I know stores that revise their inventories to suit the local population. There are neighborhood where there are a lot of Russian people live. Now, Russians have a very peculiar taste. The women like loud colors and styles other people would not wear.
Today we went to a Macy's outlet store in our search for Abigail's boots and were surprised at the peculiar styles and colors they had until we realized that we were in the middle of a Russian neighborhood.
My wife is a very conservative person who would not wear anything that screams out loud. Therefore she was not able to find anything she could use.
But, next to this store was an soft ice-cream place so the trip was not a total loss.
Ps. I naively thought that Abigail would like the boots she got yesterday. But the reality is that even though we have that she is still actively searching.
Maybe by the time she finds a pair she likes her feet grow in size.
One thing that we always expect is to find the same merchandise wherever we go. But that is not always the case.
I know stores that revise their inventories to suit the local population. There are neighborhood where there are a lot of Russian people live. Now, Russians have a very peculiar taste. The women like loud colors and styles other people would not wear.
Today we went to a Macy's outlet store in our search for Abigail's boots and were surprised at the peculiar styles and colors they had until we realized that we were in the middle of a Russian neighborhood.
My wife is a very conservative person who would not wear anything that screams out loud. Therefore she was not able to find anything she could use.
But, next to this store was an soft ice-cream place so the trip was not a total loss.
Ps. I naively thought that Abigail would like the boots she got yesterday. But the reality is that even though we have that she is still actively searching.
Maybe by the time she finds a pair she likes her feet grow in size.
Sunday, October 16, 2016
Saturday
The saga of shoe buying for Abigail continued today.
Abigail decided that the stylish wear for fourteen year old girls is a combat boot type footwear. But not any kind only the kind that is cool and in vogue. So what did we do today? Continued the hunt.
Unfortunately Abigail's shoe size is 4 which is kind of small and shoe stores and shoe departments don't carry such a small size. In most department stores we were directed to the children's department where the election was pretty merge.
Finally we found at DSW a good looking pair size 4 black combat boots. Having only one pair we urged Abigail to accept it. It was not exactly the style she wanted but grudgingly she gave her permission for us to buy it.
She should be happy now but instead she is angry for why she has such small feet.
She naturally blames her mother.
Abigail decided that the stylish wear for fourteen year old girls is a combat boot type footwear. But not any kind only the kind that is cool and in vogue. So what did we do today? Continued the hunt.
Unfortunately Abigail's shoe size is 4 which is kind of small and shoe stores and shoe departments don't carry such a small size. In most department stores we were directed to the children's department where the election was pretty merge.
Finally we found at DSW a good looking pair size 4 black combat boots. Having only one pair we urged Abigail to accept it. It was not exactly the style she wanted but grudgingly she gave her permission for us to buy it.
She should be happy now but instead she is angry for why she has such small feet.
She naturally blames her mother.
Saturday, October 15, 2016
Friday
Russian president Putin ordered the families of all diplomats outside the country to return to the Motherland shortly. This involves all the children who are attending school and adults who are being employed outside the diplomatic force.
As far as I read it there was no explanation just a command. And a command that must be obeyed.
Interestingly I didn't see this anywhere in the newscasts but by looking on the Internet it can be easily found.
One can wonder what causes such an order. Many political analysts say that Putin is getting ready for some kind of war. Unfortunately in today's nuclear age there is no such thing as a small war. It is all out or nothing.
I was watching the European and US markets and there was no sign of any kind of panic and that put my mind more at ease. The last thing we need in these days is another war.
I lived through the Second World War, I escaped my country in 1957, I was almost drafted into the Army during theVietnam war, I lived through September 11. I don't need anymore excitement.
Mainly not an excitement that would annihilate half the world. Some excitements I am too old for and this one is one of it.
Friday, October 14, 2016
Thursday
We survived Yom Kippur with not eating a whole day. Fasting is not such a bad thing. I wouldn't want to do it regularly but once a year it is doable. And it is for a good reason.
Now the Jews are preparing for Succoth.
Not far from where we live there is a good middle class area where a lot of semi-orthodox Jews live.
That means that all the stores on Saturdays and Jewish holidays are closed and the bank is open on Sundays.
Today the sidewalks where all the stores are were crowded with tables where "fast money making" merchants were selling Succoth stuff.
That included equipment to build the such but primarily the citron (etrog) and palm fronds.
The citron is an Israely lemon that has religious significance. It is quite larger than the regular lemon and edible.
Anyway the more knowledgeable people were examining these fruits with magnifying glasses because the good ones have to follow some ancient rules. I think it has to do something with the ridges.
The palm fronds were also meticulously examined because they also have to follow the ancient rules.
Right now none of these things are cheap but I think as the holiday approaches so will there prices go down.
The holiday comes in on Monday so we will check the prices again Monday afternoon.
Now the Jews are preparing for Succoth.
Not far from where we live there is a good middle class area where a lot of semi-orthodox Jews live.
That means that all the stores on Saturdays and Jewish holidays are closed and the bank is open on Sundays.
Today the sidewalks where all the stores are were crowded with tables where "fast money making" merchants were selling Succoth stuff.
That included equipment to build the such but primarily the citron (etrog) and palm fronds.
The citron is an Israely lemon that has religious significance. It is quite larger than the regular lemon and edible.
Anyway the more knowledgeable people were examining these fruits with magnifying glasses because the good ones have to follow some ancient rules. I think it has to do something with the ridges.
The palm fronds were also meticulously examined because they also have to follow the ancient rules.
Right now none of these things are cheap but I think as the holiday approaches so will there prices go down.
The holiday comes in on Monday so we will check the prices again Monday afternoon.
Thursday, October 13, 2016
Wednesday
We took our car today for its first service. I'm saying it like we took our baby to his first doctor's visit.
Well, a car is like a baby. It is helpless, needs attention, needs direction and its upkeep costs money.
I know that today is Yom Kippur but we had no other opportunity to take the car than today. It is a school holiday and this way we had no need to go anywhere.
The service visit was short since there is nothing wrong with the car and we had no complaints. The entire device took less than an hour and the best part was that it was free. I just love when they say it will cost nothing. I love it so much I might just go back tomorrow again.
My wife and I are both fasting as it is customary and time is going ahead very, very slowly.
But soon enough it will be time to break the fast.
Tomorrow I will be a new man, void of all sins.
Well, a car is like a baby. It is helpless, needs attention, needs direction and its upkeep costs money.
I know that today is Yom Kippur but we had no other opportunity to take the car than today. It is a school holiday and this way we had no need to go anywhere.
The service visit was short since there is nothing wrong with the car and we had no complaints. The entire device took less than an hour and the best part was that it was free. I just love when they say it will cost nothing. I love it so much I might just go back tomorrow again.
My wife and I are both fasting as it is customary and time is going ahead very, very slowly.
But soon enough it will be time to break the fast.
Tomorrow I will be a new man, void of all sins.
Wednesday, October 12, 2016
Go Donald
Here is a little politicking.
Sunday night we were watching the second presidential debate between Hilary Clinton and Donald Trump.
Now, for the record I am a Trump supporter. I believe in him and I am convinced that this country needs a non-politician president.
However, after watching the debate I agree with some of the critics that he didn't answer much of the questions. Unfortunately he is in the habit of skirting the issues and coming up with the same rhetorics all the time regardless if they are within the scope of the questions or not.
Still, if he is elected he would be reigned in to deal with subjects at hand.
His past life.
He is a businessman who became extremely successful and as such he earned the wrath of many. I don't think businessmen who achieve success always play fair. In this world if one does play by the rules he will be left behind.
I am convinced that Mike Bloomberg who became the mayor of New York City for 12 years had some bodies buried here and there. But for whatever reason they were never brought to the surface.
Donald Trump is not a lilly white politician but more like an ordinary man. There might be nothing ordinary about him but still he achieved a lot more in life than Hilary Clinton. If Hilary's husband would not have been a two-term president she probably would still be a country lawyer.
Anyway, this country had nothing but politicians for president and I think it is time to have one who is anything but a politician.
Go Donald!
Sunday night we were watching the second presidential debate between Hilary Clinton and Donald Trump.
Now, for the record I am a Trump supporter. I believe in him and I am convinced that this country needs a non-politician president.
However, after watching the debate I agree with some of the critics that he didn't answer much of the questions. Unfortunately he is in the habit of skirting the issues and coming up with the same rhetorics all the time regardless if they are within the scope of the questions or not.
Still, if he is elected he would be reigned in to deal with subjects at hand.
His past life.
He is a businessman who became extremely successful and as such he earned the wrath of many. I don't think businessmen who achieve success always play fair. In this world if one does play by the rules he will be left behind.
I am convinced that Mike Bloomberg who became the mayor of New York City for 12 years had some bodies buried here and there. But for whatever reason they were never brought to the surface.
Donald Trump is not a lilly white politician but more like an ordinary man. There might be nothing ordinary about him but still he achieved a lot more in life than Hilary Clinton. If Hilary's husband would not have been a two-term president she probably would still be a country lawyer.
Anyway, this country had nothing but politicians for president and I think it is time to have one who is anything but a politician.
Go Donald!
Tuesday, October 11, 2016
Monday
I am so tired that my eyes are crossed like they were on Clarence the cross eyed lion from the Daktari TV show.
Today we had a morning doctor's appointment in Manhattan that necessitated our driving in. Driving into Manhattan is never easy but the beauty of it is that at the end we get to go home in Queens.
After the doctor that took about two hours we went to the Hungarian restaurant for a light lunch then home to our home turf.
Today is Columbus Day and as such there were no public schools. Kids go back tomorrow then on Wednesday it is a holiday again, Yom Kippur.
Anyway, Abigail decided that she needs a pair of combat boots for the winter so now we are in the combat boots search mode. If anyone thinks that is easy that person is wrong.
Wrong size, wrong color, wrong style, I hate this store, too cheap must be crappy. And these are just a few of the exclamations from good old Abigail.
All I can say that it is exhausting. I count to ten and smile.
Today we had a morning doctor's appointment in Manhattan that necessitated our driving in. Driving into Manhattan is never easy but the beauty of it is that at the end we get to go home in Queens.
After the doctor that took about two hours we went to the Hungarian restaurant for a light lunch then home to our home turf.
Today is Columbus Day and as such there were no public schools. Kids go back tomorrow then on Wednesday it is a holiday again, Yom Kippur.
Anyway, Abigail decided that she needs a pair of combat boots for the winter so now we are in the combat boots search mode. If anyone thinks that is easy that person is wrong.
Wrong size, wrong color, wrong style, I hate this store, too cheap must be crappy. And these are just a few of the exclamations from good old Abigail.
All I can say that it is exhausting. I count to ten and smile.
Monday, October 10, 2016
Debate Sunday
I skipped yesterday because I was very-very busy. I don't remember what I did but I'm sure I was busy. Lately every hour of my day is filled with things to do.
I think when I worked I did less than now. But don't think that I am complaining. It is still better to be busy than just sit around and wait for the full moon each time.
Something else.
Thank God Hurricane Matthew passed Florida and our family survived it without a scratch. We sat front of the Weather Channel and watched their live broadcasts from the area and were hoping that nothing would happen.
Our prayers were answered because my wife's daughter and her apartment complex survived it without any problems.
Something else.
Tonight is the second presidential debate and there is so much hype about it I think it will be the most watched show on television history. Even more people will watch it than the last episode of Mash.
The negativity about Trump and to some extent Hilary Clinton is mind boggling. In my opinion all the negativity might just turn more voters to Trump because it will show that he is just like any other guy and not like those phony two faced politicians.
But as one interviewee, Rep. Charles Rangel, said today, the polls don't mean anything. People will decide when they stand front of the lever they are supposed to pull down.
I think when I worked I did less than now. But don't think that I am complaining. It is still better to be busy than just sit around and wait for the full moon each time.
Something else.
Thank God Hurricane Matthew passed Florida and our family survived it without a scratch. We sat front of the Weather Channel and watched their live broadcasts from the area and were hoping that nothing would happen.
Our prayers were answered because my wife's daughter and her apartment complex survived it without any problems.
Something else.
Tonight is the second presidential debate and there is so much hype about it I think it will be the most watched show on television history. Even more people will watch it than the last episode of Mash.
The negativity about Trump and to some extent Hilary Clinton is mind boggling. In my opinion all the negativity might just turn more voters to Trump because it will show that he is just like any other guy and not like those phony two faced politicians.
But as one interviewee, Rep. Charles Rangel, said today, the polls don't mean anything. People will decide when they stand front of the lever they are supposed to pull down.
Saturday, October 8, 2016
Friday
Thursday was a nice day but instead of enjoying the beautiful weather we worked our behind off.
As I mentioned it earlier we have a lot of stuff we keep in a storage facility. This facility just notified us of a price increase, the second in a year, commencing in October.
So what did we do? Found another place, nicer, that is less expensive and guarantees the price for a year. And, yesterday was the day we moved. Rented a U-Haul truck and with the help of my wife's son packed up the truck and moved everything to the new place.
It sounds easy but it was a lot of work. Some of the boxes were really heavy, filled with books and old documents.
On the pretext that the minute one discards something it will be needed we don't throw out anything. And that fills up a 5'x10' storage cubicle.
We started around 10 in the morning and by 1:30 we were finished. Not bad. But I really don't want to do this too frequently.
Maybe next year when they will raise the price.
As I mentioned it earlier we have a lot of stuff we keep in a storage facility. This facility just notified us of a price increase, the second in a year, commencing in October.
So what did we do? Found another place, nicer, that is less expensive and guarantees the price for a year. And, yesterday was the day we moved. Rented a U-Haul truck and with the help of my wife's son packed up the truck and moved everything to the new place.
It sounds easy but it was a lot of work. Some of the boxes were really heavy, filled with books and old documents.
On the pretext that the minute one discards something it will be needed we don't throw out anything. And that fills up a 5'x10' storage cubicle.
We started around 10 in the morning and by 1:30 we were finished. Not bad. But I really don't want to do this too frequently.
Maybe next year when they will raise the price.
Friday, October 7, 2016
Thursday.
Today is the day when hurricane Matthews will hit Florida.
My wife's eldest daughter lives in Daytona Beach and according to the forecasters Daytona Beach is on the track of the hurricane. We are in constant touch with her and understandably are very worried and concerned.
My wife lived through a few hurricanes when she lived in Florida so she has some understanding of the dangers involved but I have never except a few close calls in the Caribbean.
What makes this hurricane worse than many others is that it is huge and it carries a big punch. It came up from the Caribbean and left many dead people in its trail.
So it is totally understandable why we are worried but beside offering a lot of advice there is very little we can do from here in New York.
We pray and hope that nothing will happen to her and her environment.
My wife's eldest daughter lives in Daytona Beach and according to the forecasters Daytona Beach is on the track of the hurricane. We are in constant touch with her and understandably are very worried and concerned.
My wife lived through a few hurricanes when she lived in Florida so she has some understanding of the dangers involved but I have never except a few close calls in the Caribbean.
What makes this hurricane worse than many others is that it is huge and it carries a big punch. It came up from the Caribbean and left many dead people in its trail.
So it is totally understandable why we are worried but beside offering a lot of advice there is very little we can do from here in New York.
We pray and hope that nothing will happen to her and her environment.
Thursday, October 6, 2016
Wednesday
After seeing the Amish now about the third time I am still amazed at the simple life they live. I don't know how happy they are but I am sure they are content.
They are living at the edge of civilization but are not permitted to use many things civilization offers. Like electricity, TV, radio, cars, computers, telephones, bicycles and I am sure there are many other things.
But they are no dummies because there are many exceptions and exclusions. Like can not use electricity from transmission lines but can use electricity generated from 12 Volt batteries or from solar or wind sources.
They can use washing machines but no dryers. They can not have cars but can use public transportation.
We went to stores where there were Amish people working and saw that it was necessary for them to use telephones, computers and cash registers.
So, there are exceptions and they take advantage of them.
But still from the outside they seem to be nice people and I see nothing wrong with their lifestyles.
Not that I want to live like that but probably their lifestyle is a lot more relaxed than ours who are surrounded with the comforts of civilization.
They are living at the edge of civilization but are not permitted to use many things civilization offers. Like electricity, TV, radio, cars, computers, telephones, bicycles and I am sure there are many other things.
But they are no dummies because there are many exceptions and exclusions. Like can not use electricity from transmission lines but can use electricity generated from 12 Volt batteries or from solar or wind sources.
They can use washing machines but no dryers. They can not have cars but can use public transportation.
We went to stores where there were Amish people working and saw that it was necessary for them to use telephones, computers and cash registers.
So, there are exceptions and they take advantage of them.
But still from the outside they seem to be nice people and I see nothing wrong with their lifestyles.
Not that I want to live like that but probably their lifestyle is a lot more relaxed than ours who are surrounded with the comforts of civilization.
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