I skipped a few days because I was just too busy and my creating juices kind of dried up. Nothing spectacular happened since I wrote the last time so nobody missed anything.
Yesterday, Thursday night my wife and I went to a theater. We went to see a Spanish Flamenco show. Every year this one theater has a Flamenco festival and this was the third one I saw. It is really interesting and entertaining. The performers are all from Spain however the audience is really mixed.
Very little is being said and just like in the opera we don't understand a word of it. But the dancing compensates us.
Something else.
This morning we awoke to a white city. It was snowing and by noon it looks like winter wonderland. They say today's snow is nothing compared to what can be expected for next Tuesday. If it gets here it supposed to be a doozie.
That is what we need, in the "middle of Spring" a snowstorm.
Saturday, March 11, 2017
Wednesday, March 8, 2017
Tuesday
On Tuesdays and Fridays we are having cleaning days in our house. That means getting up at the crack of dawn to go down to the laundry room and then cleaning the house from to bottom.
To define crack of dawn it is 6:30 am. The laundry room in our building opens at 7 so we always try to be the first ones. Most of the time we succeed. By 9 am laundry is done then Abigail is off to school.
We have somebody coming to help with the cleaning so my job is just to stay out of the way. And that is not very easy. My lovely wife has the habit of trying to keep everybody busy. And that means that she always finds something for me to do.
Might that be physical or mental work it is still exhausting. It is now 2 pm and I am already tired and that has nothing to do with age.
Something else.
This morning the neighborhood had a little excitement. A young allegedly Pakistanian man was standing on the roof ledge of a neighboring building threatening to jump. It took about three hours until the police got him off the ledge but still it was a pretty scary sight to see a man in that situation.
I firmly believe that he never meant to jump. If he did he would have done it right at the moment he stepped up to the ledge and not wait three hours. He just wanted attention and publicity.
It is visible on the picture where he was standing. Sorry for the quality but this was the best I could do.
To define crack of dawn it is 6:30 am. The laundry room in our building opens at 7 so we always try to be the first ones. Most of the time we succeed. By 9 am laundry is done then Abigail is off to school.
We have somebody coming to help with the cleaning so my job is just to stay out of the way. And that is not very easy. My lovely wife has the habit of trying to keep everybody busy. And that means that she always finds something for me to do.
Might that be physical or mental work it is still exhausting. It is now 2 pm and I am already tired and that has nothing to do with age.
Something else.
This morning the neighborhood had a little excitement. A young allegedly Pakistanian man was standing on the roof ledge of a neighboring building threatening to jump. It took about three hours until the police got him off the ledge but still it was a pretty scary sight to see a man in that situation.
I firmly believe that he never meant to jump. If he did he would have done it right at the moment he stepped up to the ledge and not wait three hours. He just wanted attention and publicity.
It is visible on the picture where he was standing. Sorry for the quality but this was the best I could do.
Tuesday, March 7, 2017
Monday
The Hungarian version of brandy is called pálinka. Although I hate brandy in all its shape and form somehow the Hungarian version I like.
This stuff can be made from any fruit like pear, plum, grape or anything else.
Many families have home made pálinka and they usually have higher alcohol content than the store bought. We had the good fortune to taste a few samples of home made pálinka.
Since I wasn't driving much I really had the chance to enjoy the joys of good drinking. Upon our leaving we received three bottles of this good Hungarian stuff. Customs never even batted an eye and the bottles came home undisturbed.
We still have one bottle left.
It is interesting that if I drink even just a tiny amount of the American brandy it kind of shakes me. The Hungarian version is fine with no after effect.
Maybe it is in my genes.
This stuff can be made from any fruit like pear, plum, grape or anything else.
Many families have home made pálinka and they usually have higher alcohol content than the store bought. We had the good fortune to taste a few samples of home made pálinka.
Since I wasn't driving much I really had the chance to enjoy the joys of good drinking. Upon our leaving we received three bottles of this good Hungarian stuff. Customs never even batted an eye and the bottles came home undisturbed.
We still have one bottle left.
It is interesting that if I drink even just a tiny amount of the American brandy it kind of shakes me. The Hungarian version is fine with no after effect.
Maybe it is in my genes.
Monday, March 6, 2017
Sunday
The week before we arrived in Hungary the temperature was if not balmy but still very pleasant. While we were there it was unpleasantly cool and sometimes rainy.
Here in New York while we were in Hungary the weather was almost summer like with high temperatures.
We arrive back in New York and the temperature drops. Saturday it was around freezing all day. At night we went out to dinner and I almost froze to death after that. Sunday, today was not any better either.
After our leaving Hungary the temperature rose again to a very pleasant level. Maybe there is a message somewhere.
It is funny how we are affecting the weather around the world!
Here in New York while we were in Hungary the weather was almost summer like with high temperatures.
We arrive back in New York and the temperature drops. Saturday it was around freezing all day. At night we went out to dinner and I almost froze to death after that. Sunday, today was not any better either.
After our leaving Hungary the temperature rose again to a very pleasant level. Maybe there is a message somewhere.
It is funny how we are affecting the weather around the world!
Sunday, March 5, 2017
Saturday
Overall, this recent visit was more of a working visit than the previous ones. I didn't have a chance to eat as much as I used to or as I would have wanted to. I missed the good Hungarian foods. Although we twice ate at my mother-in-law's house and her cooking is first class, so I really can not complain.
On the other hand we traveled across Hungary and I had the chance to see places I never knew existed. And I am grateful for that.
We had one more unscheduled little event but like the others this one also turned out fine.
Our rental car was a Citroën Diesel. Immediately upon receipt of the car the Service light was on accompanied with French notes. We didn't pay any attention until on Wednesday night trying to leave Mako the car didn't start.
After lots of calls back and forth with the rental company it turned out that there was an additive in the car that they put in Diesel cars because of emission and when that additive runs out the engine will not run.
Two hours wait later they brought down a replacement car, a Toyota SUV that we had until we left for home.
Fortunately, I was not the cause of this problem.
On the other hand we traveled across Hungary and I had the chance to see places I never knew existed. And I am grateful for that.
We had one more unscheduled little event but like the others this one also turned out fine.
Our rental car was a Citroën Diesel. Immediately upon receipt of the car the Service light was on accompanied with French notes. We didn't pay any attention until on Wednesday night trying to leave Mako the car didn't start.
After lots of calls back and forth with the rental company it turned out that there was an additive in the car that they put in Diesel cars because of emission and when that additive runs out the engine will not run.
Two hours wait later they brought down a replacement car, a Toyota SUV that we had until we left for home.
Fortunately, I was not the cause of this problem.
Saturday, March 4, 2017
Friday
There were a few dark spots in our visits but to be honest I was the cause of them.
In Budapest there is no such a thing as free street parking. Now I learned it the hard way.
One evening we went out to dinner with my cousin in the center of the City and I thought that just because there was no parking ticket machine on the side I parked it was free. Well, it was not. By the time we finished dinner there was a whopping parking ticket on the car.
Understandably my wife was very angry at my misjudgment and I really got it from her. In order to avoid late charges we paid the ticket the next day at a post office.
But this was nothing compared to the next fiasco I caused.
We went to a short visit to my cousin's apartment. He lives in the heart of the City and finding parking is almost impossible there. However, next to his building there is a short street where it seemed there was a lot of available paring space.
Without thinking I left the car there and followed my wife up to his apartment. We talked for a while and when we decided to leave to my greatest dismay the parking authorities were there placing a ticket on the car. I wasn't to upset until my wife pointed out that the right rear tire also had a boot on.
Fortunately these people were there and after about 45 minutes and a lot of Forint the boot was removed.
But that was the easy part. What I got from my wife afterward was the worst. First the blame then the silent treatment. I don't wish it on anybody. Eventually she forgave me but right there and then it was bad.
I always say that there is something good in every bad thing.
This happened after eight in the evening. These people work only until ten pm and start at six in the morning. We had to be at the airport by about 5:30 am the next morning.
What would have happened if we couldn't get the boot removed?
In Budapest there is no such a thing as free street parking. Now I learned it the hard way.
One evening we went out to dinner with my cousin in the center of the City and I thought that just because there was no parking ticket machine on the side I parked it was free. Well, it was not. By the time we finished dinner there was a whopping parking ticket on the car.
Understandably my wife was very angry at my misjudgment and I really got it from her. In order to avoid late charges we paid the ticket the next day at a post office.
But this was nothing compared to the next fiasco I caused.
We went to a short visit to my cousin's apartment. He lives in the heart of the City and finding parking is almost impossible there. However, next to his building there is a short street where it seemed there was a lot of available paring space.
Without thinking I left the car there and followed my wife up to his apartment. We talked for a while and when we decided to leave to my greatest dismay the parking authorities were there placing a ticket on the car. I wasn't to upset until my wife pointed out that the right rear tire also had a boot on.
Fortunately these people were there and after about 45 minutes and a lot of Forint the boot was removed.
But that was the easy part. What I got from my wife afterward was the worst. First the blame then the silent treatment. I don't wish it on anybody. Eventually she forgave me but right there and then it was bad.
I always say that there is something good in every bad thing.
This happened after eight in the evening. These people work only until ten pm and start at six in the morning. We had to be at the airport by about 5:30 am the next morning.
What would have happened if we couldn't get the boot removed?
Friday, March 3, 2017
Thursday
Since we plan to move around a lot in Hungary we rented a car. We asked for a Volkswagen but instead we got a Citroën Diesel. I wasn't too happy with the Diesel but hey, que sera sera.
At this time we headed to Szeged because we planned to be there for about three days. The trip down there was very peasant because the roads went through some beautiful countryside. The highlight of the this trip was that we stopped at a Halászcsárda (Fish Restaurant) where we had a fantastic meal spiked with good drinks.
To call a Halászcsárda a Fish Restaurant is just not right. It takes away from what the establishment really is. The fish soup is actually called halászlé which is a lot more than just plain fish soup. It is made from a variety of different Hungarian fish and it just tastes fantastic.
This is what we ate and were fortunate enough to have this type of meal another time.
We stayed in Szeged because my wife had business to take care of but had time to look around the city.
Szeged and neighboring Mako are both lovely cities. They are clean and full of nice buildings. One can feel the history of the country at these places.
We also had the opportunity to visit Mohács where history abounds.
During our stay in Hungary we had the additional opportunity to visit Köszeg and Szombathely. These two cities are in the Northwest corner of the country and the trip was very enlightening.
I was born in Budapest and didn't see much of the country before. On this trip I had the opportunity to drive it from one end to the other and honestly I really enjoyed it.
I saw fertile farmlands, I saw mountains. I saw cities and I saw villages and in short it is a beautiful country.
At this time we headed to Szeged because we planned to be there for about three days. The trip down there was very peasant because the roads went through some beautiful countryside. The highlight of the this trip was that we stopped at a Halászcsárda (Fish Restaurant) where we had a fantastic meal spiked with good drinks.
To call a Halászcsárda a Fish Restaurant is just not right. It takes away from what the establishment really is. The fish soup is actually called halászlé which is a lot more than just plain fish soup. It is made from a variety of different Hungarian fish and it just tastes fantastic.
This is what we ate and were fortunate enough to have this type of meal another time.
We stayed in Szeged because my wife had business to take care of but had time to look around the city.
Szeged and neighboring Mako are both lovely cities. They are clean and full of nice buildings. One can feel the history of the country at these places.
We also had the opportunity to visit Mohács where history abounds.
During our stay in Hungary we had the additional opportunity to visit Köszeg and Szombathely. These two cities are in the Northwest corner of the country and the trip was very enlightening.
I was born in Budapest and didn't see much of the country before. On this trip I had the opportunity to drive it from one end to the other and honestly I really enjoyed it.
I saw fertile farmlands, I saw mountains. I saw cities and I saw villages and in short it is a beautiful country.
Thursday, March 2, 2017
Wednesday
i have returned from the other side of the world. Well, actually not the other side just a little over.
On February 17 my wife and I boarded a Lufthansa flight to Munich, Germany. Why Munich? Because that was where we took the connection to Budapest.
It seems that there are differences between overseas flights even within the same airline.
In December of last year my wife flew over to Frankfurt and the meal was mac and cheese and not much else.
This time we had a choice between chicken breast and some vegetarian meal. We obviously chose the chicken and I have to admit it was great.
Before the meal they came around and offered drinks, alcoholic drinks with no charge. I believe in accepting anything the airline offers since it is paid for. So, we had some drink. With the dinner we had the choice of having champagne which we naturally had.
Why just those capitalists in first or business class should get all the good stuff. To our great surprise after diner they came around and offered Baileys as aperitif. At that point we decided that Lufthansa will be our flag carrier.
In between meals, we also had breakfast, they offered small snacks.
The flight was uneventful and after waiting a few hours in Munich we boarded the Budapest flight and finally landed in the old country a little after noon.
Since flying in from a European Union country (Germany) passport control is non existent. Our arrival was on time.
My mother-in-law and her husband waited for us at the airport with made the arrival more pleasant. There is nothing colder than arriving at an airport with nobody waiting.
On February 17 my wife and I boarded a Lufthansa flight to Munich, Germany. Why Munich? Because that was where we took the connection to Budapest.
It seems that there are differences between overseas flights even within the same airline.
In December of last year my wife flew over to Frankfurt and the meal was mac and cheese and not much else.
This time we had a choice between chicken breast and some vegetarian meal. We obviously chose the chicken and I have to admit it was great.
Before the meal they came around and offered drinks, alcoholic drinks with no charge. I believe in accepting anything the airline offers since it is paid for. So, we had some drink. With the dinner we had the choice of having champagne which we naturally had.
Why just those capitalists in first or business class should get all the good stuff. To our great surprise after diner they came around and offered Baileys as aperitif. At that point we decided that Lufthansa will be our flag carrier.
In between meals, we also had breakfast, they offered small snacks.
The flight was uneventful and after waiting a few hours in Munich we boarded the Budapest flight and finally landed in the old country a little after noon.
Since flying in from a European Union country (Germany) passport control is non existent. Our arrival was on time.
My mother-in-law and her husband waited for us at the airport with made the arrival more pleasant. There is nothing colder than arriving at an airport with nobody waiting.
Friday, February 17, 2017
Thursday
It is Thursday and I will be quiet for a while.
Tomorrow, Friday afternoon my wife and I are leaving for a short trip to Hungary. I usually went for two weeks and more but this time we plan to be there only for a week.
We plan to visit my wife's family and my relations. But primarily we do have some business to do over there and that is the prime reason for the visit.
My wife was there in last December and I was stuck here babysitting. I missed her a lot and I said there was no way she would go again and leave me behind. This time this is a school holiday and Abigail will stay at her brother's house.
I was in Budapest in 2015 and I am very excited about going again.
I naturally plan to visit my parents' grave and see my cousin again. My wife met him the last time and they liked each other a lot. Now, I want to be part of this love fest.
Anyway, this it and I shall surface once we return to the good old US of A.
Tomorrow, Friday afternoon my wife and I are leaving for a short trip to Hungary. I usually went for two weeks and more but this time we plan to be there only for a week.
We plan to visit my wife's family and my relations. But primarily we do have some business to do over there and that is the prime reason for the visit.
My wife was there in last December and I was stuck here babysitting. I missed her a lot and I said there was no way she would go again and leave me behind. This time this is a school holiday and Abigail will stay at her brother's house.
I was in Budapest in 2015 and I am very excited about going again.
I naturally plan to visit my parents' grave and see my cousin again. My wife met him the last time and they liked each other a lot. Now, I want to be part of this love fest.
Anyway, this it and I shall surface once we return to the good old US of A.
Thursday, February 16, 2017
Wednesday
I just can't stand texting, sms and all that electronic crap. I can climb the walls when I see people walk on the streets or crossing streets without looking up because they are so engrossed in their stupid cellphones.
In our house I am surrounded with this. My wife looks at her phone all the time because whenever somebody writes or adds something to the Facebook she has to know about it.
Abigail would have her phone surgically attached if that were possible. She goes to sleep with it and she wakes up with it. I don't know how she can tolerate the hours in school when they are not allowed to use their cellphones. When she comes out of school the first thing is the phone and it is not put down until she falls in sleep.
She has it ext to her when she eats, studies or in the car.
How did we survive without this in all these years? We used to get messages that were returned in time. Now, if messages are not immediately returned there is hell to pay.
When we go out I leave my phone home more than once. Nobody calls me anyway. Besides, I hate to use my cell phone. I much rather use the traditional phone at home.
I'm old fashioned, what's wrong with that?
In our house I am surrounded with this. My wife looks at her phone all the time because whenever somebody writes or adds something to the Facebook she has to know about it.
Abigail would have her phone surgically attached if that were possible. She goes to sleep with it and she wakes up with it. I don't know how she can tolerate the hours in school when they are not allowed to use their cellphones. When she comes out of school the first thing is the phone and it is not put down until she falls in sleep.
She has it ext to her when she eats, studies or in the car.
How did we survive without this in all these years? We used to get messages that were returned in time. Now, if messages are not immediately returned there is hell to pay.
When we go out I leave my phone home more than once. Nobody calls me anyway. Besides, I hate to use my cell phone. I much rather use the traditional phone at home.
I'm old fashioned, what's wrong with that?
Wednesday, February 15, 2017
Tuesday
Today, like every Tuesday is cleaning day in our house. That means that my wife and I get up early, real earlynin the morning and do the laundry. The building has a laundry room with several washing machines and dryers.
The aim is to get there before other people do so we may be able to do all our stuff. We do laundry twice a week. It never stops to amaze me how much washables we get each time. Ok, so we got a fourteen year old girl in the house. But she is not sloppy, neither am I. Still we collect enormous amount of clothing each time.
Anyway, today was no exception. Then a young lady comes over to help with the cleaning. That keep my wife and her busy for the better part of the day. Me, I have nothing to do just to stay out of the way. And, that is not a bad way to spend the day.
Today, I was watching some TV, snoozed a little and did something I very rarely do.
I cleaned all my and some of my wife's shoes. I remember when I was still a kid Hungary and my grandfather was alive he was already retired he was always cleaning his shoes. This kind of stuck in my mind that when you are retired you should have nice clean shoes.
So, today was the day. Besides Valentine's Day it was also Shoe Cleaning Day.
The aim is to get there before other people do so we may be able to do all our stuff. We do laundry twice a week. It never stops to amaze me how much washables we get each time. Ok, so we got a fourteen year old girl in the house. But she is not sloppy, neither am I. Still we collect enormous amount of clothing each time.
Anyway, today was no exception. Then a young lady comes over to help with the cleaning. That keep my wife and her busy for the better part of the day. Me, I have nothing to do just to stay out of the way. And, that is not a bad way to spend the day.
Today, I was watching some TV, snoozed a little and did something I very rarely do.
I cleaned all my and some of my wife's shoes. I remember when I was still a kid Hungary and my grandfather was alive he was already retired he was always cleaning his shoes. This kind of stuck in my mind that when you are retired you should have nice clean shoes.
So, today was the day. Besides Valentine's Day it was also Shoe Cleaning Day.
Tuesday, February 14, 2017
Monday
Tomorrow is St. Valentine's Day. This is a holiday created by St. Hallmark. Nobody ever heard of Valentine's Day until Hallmark decided that it was a long stretch between New Year and Easter to sell greeting cards. So, there is Valentine's Day.
It is like Kwanza. It is an artificial holiday. He lived in the 200s and I don't think he really cared about lovers one way or another. Mainly because he probably was celibate. Or not?
This is again one of those lame holidays when once a year people show how much they love their partners (husbands, wives, girlfriends or boyfriends). What about the other 364 days of the year?
The way I feel if I love someone I show it every single day and not just one particular day a year.
TV is full of Valentine's Day oriented ads and cheesy movies.
I just remembered, Hungarians call it lemonade, Americans call it cheesy. We have been watching cheesy marathons. These are movies where Valentine's Day has about as much importance as Christmas. And that is totally unreal.
But anyway, tomorrow is the day and we will show our loved ones that they are special and we really love them, again.
It is like Kwanza. It is an artificial holiday. He lived in the 200s and I don't think he really cared about lovers one way or another. Mainly because he probably was celibate. Or not?
This is again one of those lame holidays when once a year people show how much they love their partners (husbands, wives, girlfriends or boyfriends). What about the other 364 days of the year?
The way I feel if I love someone I show it every single day and not just one particular day a year.
TV is full of Valentine's Day oriented ads and cheesy movies.
I just remembered, Hungarians call it lemonade, Americans call it cheesy. We have been watching cheesy marathons. These are movies where Valentine's Day has about as much importance as Christmas. And that is totally unreal.
But anyway, tomorrow is the day and we will show our loved ones that they are special and we really love them, again.
Monday, February 13, 2017
Sunday
When the WWII refugees came to this country they had one think in common. Find a safe home, build a life and live in prosperity forever.
When the Hungarian refugees arrived in 1956 and after they had one thing in common. Find a safe home, live a life away from political persecution and build a life for their families.
When the Muslim immigrants/refugees arrived their common goal was and is how to destroy this country. They want to blend in society, they have time but the common goal is to destroy this type of life.
When the Koran teaches that unbelievers should be killed, how can they be trusted? More than once families living for years in mixed neighborhoods with children turned out to be terrorists. How these people can be trusted?
Not a single WWII refugee turned out to be terrorist. Not a single Hungarian refugee turned out to be terrorist. But all the terrorists turned out to be Muslims.
So the government can not be blamed if they want to close the borders against them. Only the bleeding heart liberals will see it differently.
When the next terrorist attack will happen they all will blame the government for not doing enough. But right now they all hide behind the Constitution. Infidels should die and in their minds we are all infidels.
When the Hungarian refugees arrived in 1956 and after they had one thing in common. Find a safe home, live a life away from political persecution and build a life for their families.
When the Muslim immigrants/refugees arrived their common goal was and is how to destroy this country. They want to blend in society, they have time but the common goal is to destroy this type of life.
When the Koran teaches that unbelievers should be killed, how can they be trusted? More than once families living for years in mixed neighborhoods with children turned out to be terrorists. How these people can be trusted?
Not a single WWII refugee turned out to be terrorist. Not a single Hungarian refugee turned out to be terrorist. But all the terrorists turned out to be Muslims.
So the government can not be blamed if they want to close the borders against them. Only the bleeding heart liberals will see it differently.
When the next terrorist attack will happen they all will blame the government for not doing enough. But right now they all hide behind the Constitution. Infidels should die and in their minds we are all infidels.
Sunday, February 12, 2017
Saturday
There are mushy love stories./ Hallmark Channel broadcasts these mushy love stories day in and day out. Now they are adjusted for Valentine's day. Before they were for Christmas. But they always find a reason to air these.
These movies never saw any movie theaters they are just being played on TV. Anyway in Hungarian they are called lemonade. I don't know why but that is what these schmaltzy stories are called.
Now, my wife just loves these stories. In the past few days that is all we are watching. One happily ending love story after another. These plots are so thin that five minutes into the movie one can see the outcome.
My thing is if nobody dies in the first ten minutes it is not worth watching. But the good husband that I am, I'm watching with her. Who am I to complain.
I have to run now because the next portion of lemonade is being served.
These movies never saw any movie theaters they are just being played on TV. Anyway in Hungarian they are called lemonade. I don't know why but that is what these schmaltzy stories are called.
Now, my wife just loves these stories. In the past few days that is all we are watching. One happily ending love story after another. These plots are so thin that five minutes into the movie one can see the outcome.
My thing is if nobody dies in the first ten minutes it is not worth watching. But the good husband that I am, I'm watching with her. Who am I to complain.
I have to run now because the next portion of lemonade is being served.
Saturday, February 11, 2017
Friday
Yesterday's snowstorm is history. Today our area is brilliant with the sun shining and with snow everywhere. Driving is a little treacherous but doable.
It is amazing that nothing is enough for the kids. Yesterday the City gave a day off from school. It was good, they loved it.
All Afternoon Abigail kept asking if schools were to be open today. Because if they were closed for one day why can they not keep it closed for another day just to be on the safe side?
Anyway this morning she had to be strongly persuaded to get up and go to school.
These kids are never satisfied. They always want more. Abigail saw several very good stage shows both here and in Las Vegas. But now it is Wicked or the Lion King that are the most important ones.
The fact that Lion King tickets start at around $300 has no meaning. The important thing is to belong to that exclusive club where the members saw this show.
And I am required to keep my cool!
It is amazing that nothing is enough for the kids. Yesterday the City gave a day off from school. It was good, they loved it.
All Afternoon Abigail kept asking if schools were to be open today. Because if they were closed for one day why can they not keep it closed for another day just to be on the safe side?
Anyway this morning she had to be strongly persuaded to get up and go to school.
These kids are never satisfied. They always want more. Abigail saw several very good stage shows both here and in Las Vegas. But now it is Wicked or the Lion King that are the most important ones.
The fact that Lion King tickets start at around $300 has no meaning. The important thing is to belong to that exclusive club where the members saw this show.
And I am required to keep my cool!
Friday, February 10, 2017
Thursday
Today we had the first real snowstorm in New York. Actually in the Northeast. The City was in total panic because the forecasters were pretty sure this snow would be fairly large. And, lo and behold they were right.
It looked so believable that they even announced closing all the City schools pretty early yesterday. Abigail was elated, no school today.
We had a dentist appointment early this morning and I was concerned that the doctor was to be in but he was. So Abigail and I braved the storm and went over. We drove because I just love to drive in the snow. My wife was a little ticked off at me because she is very protective and was afraid that something might happen. Nothing did.
There were really very few cars on the road and they were all driving pretty carefully.
Our street wasn't yet plowed but that is not unusual. We are always the last. Probably it will met before the City will clean it.
At times like this I am glad I don't have a house because then I would have to be out there shoveling.
So, today we are staying in. I'm sure we will find something worthwhile to do.
It looked so believable that they even announced closing all the City schools pretty early yesterday. Abigail was elated, no school today.
We had a dentist appointment early this morning and I was concerned that the doctor was to be in but he was. So Abigail and I braved the storm and went over. We drove because I just love to drive in the snow. My wife was a little ticked off at me because she is very protective and was afraid that something might happen. Nothing did.
There were really very few cars on the road and they were all driving pretty carefully.
Our street wasn't yet plowed but that is not unusual. We are always the last. Probably it will met before the City will clean it.
At times like this I am glad I don't have a house because then I would have to be out there shoveling.
So, today we are staying in. I'm sure we will find something worthwhile to do.
Thursday, February 9, 2017
Wednesday
Just to correct some misunderstandings by some "culture barbarians".
There is aa Ancient Seven Wonders of the World and there is a current one.
The Ancient list includes the Sphinx, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon and the Lighthouse of Alexandria.
This last one was built around 200 years before Christ and totally disappeared in the 1400s.
Now, the girls want to build a model reflecting this structure. In my opinion if they succeed it will be the eighth wonder of the world.
Last night they worked on it for about two hours and succeeded creating a mess but made the base of the Lighthouse. When I showed them a picture of the Lighthouse they said: oh! I don't really think they knew what it supposed to look like because they don't even know its history.
But, where there is a will there is a way. A few more hours and I'm sure they will prevail. It's not due until the 28th so they have plenty of time.
I just hope the clay will last that long.
There is aa Ancient Seven Wonders of the World and there is a current one.
The Ancient list includes the Sphinx, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon and the Lighthouse of Alexandria.
This last one was built around 200 years before Christ and totally disappeared in the 1400s.
Now, the girls want to build a model reflecting this structure. In my opinion if they succeed it will be the eighth wonder of the world.
Last night they worked on it for about two hours and succeeded creating a mess but made the base of the Lighthouse. When I showed them a picture of the Lighthouse they said: oh! I don't really think they knew what it supposed to look like because they don't even know its history.
But, where there is a will there is a way. A few more hours and I'm sure they will prevail. It's not due until the 28th so they have plenty of time.
I just hope the clay will last that long.
Wednesday, February 8, 2017
Tuesday
The other day Abigail announced that she had a school project to do. Apparently the project involves a clay model of a lighthouse. Not any kind of ordinary lighthouse but some ancient lighthouse at Alexandria.
This project is being done together with a friend of hers. Their plan is to build this contraption out of clay then paint it, place it on a base then take it to school.
I had premonition of all kinds of danger. Mainly uncorrectable mess. I forgot to say that the work is to be done in our house. This kind of undertaking should be done in a backyard or in a garage. We live in an apartment that is not equipped to be an art studio.
Anyway, today the girls bought 10 lbs of clay, paint and brushes as well a wooden base for the tower. I am very curious to see what will come out of this because so far all I see is a lots of giggling and no action.
None of the girls have ever done anything like this before and right now it is the blind leading the blind.
This project is being done together with a friend of hers. Their plan is to build this contraption out of clay then paint it, place it on a base then take it to school.
I had premonition of all kinds of danger. Mainly uncorrectable mess. I forgot to say that the work is to be done in our house. This kind of undertaking should be done in a backyard or in a garage. We live in an apartment that is not equipped to be an art studio.
Anyway, today the girls bought 10 lbs of clay, paint and brushes as well a wooden base for the tower. I am very curious to see what will come out of this because so far all I see is a lots of giggling and no action.
None of the girls have ever done anything like this before and right now it is the blind leading the blind.
Tuesday, February 7, 2017
Monday
I did mention this before but can't resist saying it again. It baffles me that people can work in fairly responsible positions and at the same time can be so stupid.
Case in point.
My wife and I got married in 2015. Like any married couple there were certain name changes necessary. My wife (very smartly) decided to take my name. It is a very nice name and I am proud that she took it.
Since she had a life before we met there were certain things like bank accounts on her name. Slowly we started to have those changed to her married name.
It is interesting how differently banks work. They all have different rules and requirements when it comes to something like this. I really can't understand it. You go into a bank and announce you want to change your name they look it you like you asked for transferring funds to the Moon.
People get married every single day and women take the names of their husbands. This is the norm. Why is it so unusual to comprehend this?
So, we went into one of the major banks my wife had a joint account with Abigail and asked for the change. No problem, said the woman behind the desk.
After about an hour of filling out various electronic and manual forms we left the branch naively believing that the very important person behind the desk knew what she was doing.
How wrong we were!
We just received the latest statement from the bank and not that the name change wasn't taken care of Abigail's name was removed from the account.
Today I sent an angry letter to that bank complaining about this. We'll wait to see how this will be taken care of.
And that person has a job!
Case in point.
My wife and I got married in 2015. Like any married couple there were certain name changes necessary. My wife (very smartly) decided to take my name. It is a very nice name and I am proud that she took it.
Since she had a life before we met there were certain things like bank accounts on her name. Slowly we started to have those changed to her married name.
It is interesting how differently banks work. They all have different rules and requirements when it comes to something like this. I really can't understand it. You go into a bank and announce you want to change your name they look it you like you asked for transferring funds to the Moon.
People get married every single day and women take the names of their husbands. This is the norm. Why is it so unusual to comprehend this?
So, we went into one of the major banks my wife had a joint account with Abigail and asked for the change. No problem, said the woman behind the desk.
After about an hour of filling out various electronic and manual forms we left the branch naively believing that the very important person behind the desk knew what she was doing.
How wrong we were!
We just received the latest statement from the bank and not that the name change wasn't taken care of Abigail's name was removed from the account.
Today I sent an angry letter to that bank complaining about this. We'll wait to see how this will be taken care of.
And that person has a job!
Monday, February 6, 2017
Sunday
I am wondering that at what age do kids start to behave as kind of semi intelligent beings and at what age will they start to take care of their rooms and their belongings and will not depend on their family to be at their back and call 24/7.
When will they realize that they are not the center of the universe and there is a world outside of their limited sphere. I can honestly say that in our case fourteen years of age is NOT the turning point. Since Abigail's 15th birthday is not far I know that 15 is not either.
I can't wait until Abigail will be willing to take care of herself without her mothers interaction. I can't wait until she will be willing to help with chores around the house like laundry, cleaning and cooking.
When will she stop acting like a spoiled princes who wants everything done her way?
Don't misunderstand me. She is warm and loving but if things don't go her way she can be pretty critical and outspoke. As shy and quiet she is in school she is the total opposite at home.
But we love her anyway.
When will they realize that they are not the center of the universe and there is a world outside of their limited sphere. I can honestly say that in our case fourteen years of age is NOT the turning point. Since Abigail's 15th birthday is not far I know that 15 is not either.
I can't wait until Abigail will be willing to take care of herself without her mothers interaction. I can't wait until she will be willing to help with chores around the house like laundry, cleaning and cooking.
When will she stop acting like a spoiled princes who wants everything done her way?
Don't misunderstand me. She is warm and loving but if things don't go her way she can be pretty critical and outspoke. As shy and quiet she is in school she is the total opposite at home.
But we love her anyway.
Sunday, February 5, 2017
Saturday
Today is Saturday. There was no need to get up early because this was not a school day. We also had absolutely nothing planned (unusual) so we just longed around until well past noon.
In the afternoon did some food and other stuff shopping then Abigail decided that we should go out to eat because at least once a week that is what we should do.
So what good understanding parents do? We agreed and went out to eat. This was no fancy eat out. Just to a neighborhood place that we know and like. And, it has easy parking.
The key to going anywhere where we live is the ease of parking. Within the last two weeks we went into Manhattan and parking there is always an adventure. Living where we do has the chance to go to a myriad of places where parking is no problem.
That is how we become a nation of lazy people. Everywhere we go by car and if we can not park front of the entrance we get upset.
I guess in another thousand years humans will have no legs because they will degenerate due to nonuse.
In the afternoon did some food and other stuff shopping then Abigail decided that we should go out to eat because at least once a week that is what we should do.
So what good understanding parents do? We agreed and went out to eat. This was no fancy eat out. Just to a neighborhood place that we know and like. And, it has easy parking.
The key to going anywhere where we live is the ease of parking. Within the last two weeks we went into Manhattan and parking there is always an adventure. Living where we do has the chance to go to a myriad of places where parking is no problem.
That is how we become a nation of lazy people. Everywhere we go by car and if we can not park front of the entrance we get upset.
I guess in another thousand years humans will have no legs because they will degenerate due to nonuse.
Saturday, February 4, 2017
Friday
My wife and I are considering a near future European trip. Because of that we made some exploratory checking into the availabilities and prices.
I was dismayed at what I found.
Return airfare is not cheap. Where we want to go there are no direct flights therefore changing of planes is necessary.
Flying by itself is accepted but then there is a $35 per seat change each way on each planes. Ok, the connecting flight is only $11. Still, that comes to $46 per person and each way which adds up to $92 extra on top of the flight.
What if I don't want to pay for the seats. Can I travel standing up?
Airlines are gangsters! They get the traveling public every which way they can.
The other shock was when I found out that while age discrimination is against the law in this country, in foreign lands it is permitted.
Car rental companies charge about $10-$12 per day if the driver is over 75 years of age. And there is nothing anybody can do about it.
These little nuances are what make traveling a pain in the butt.
I was dismayed at what I found.
Return airfare is not cheap. Where we want to go there are no direct flights therefore changing of planes is necessary.
Flying by itself is accepted but then there is a $35 per seat change each way on each planes. Ok, the connecting flight is only $11. Still, that comes to $46 per person and each way which adds up to $92 extra on top of the flight.
What if I don't want to pay for the seats. Can I travel standing up?
Airlines are gangsters! They get the traveling public every which way they can.
The other shock was when I found out that while age discrimination is against the law in this country, in foreign lands it is permitted.
Car rental companies charge about $10-$12 per day if the driver is over 75 years of age. And there is nothing anybody can do about it.
These little nuances are what make traveling a pain in the butt.
Friday, February 3, 2017
Thursday
It is beyond my comprehension what goes on in this country about President Trump.
As far as I know we had a democratic election in which he came out as the winner. The kew word is DEMOCRATIC. If that is the case why the losers object? This is the system here in this country. Somebody wins somebody loses.
Ever since he won the opposition is in uproar because their lame candidate lost. The country spoke now why is this unacceptable.
When Obama won eight years ago the Republicans did everything to derail his presidency. Because he was black and because he was popular and because he was a Democrat. Speaker beiner did everything in his power to deny whatever the President wanted.
Now the Democratic politicians are playing the same game except that they are in the minority. Trump's main strength that he has a Republican congress behind him.
This constant disagreement and disobedience make the US look like a third world country and make the US the laughing stock of the world.
Trump won because he campaigned on popular subjects and because he is not a politicians. Politicians are crooked and do not care about anybody but themselves. And sadly part of this country don't want to notice it.
Hollywood where the biggest bunch of useless people live think that their opinion count. These overpaid self centered bunch of non-talents think they can influence the thinking of the public. Anybody can be a movie star. Most of these people got to where they are in the horizontal position and that need no talent.
Some of these people want to leave this country. Talk is cheap, go! See where can they make this obscene amount of money they are getting here.
Celine Dion could not make in Canada a fraction of what she makes here in the US. Elton John loves to come here to make money. Why he (she) doesn't stay in the UK and lives on what he can make there?
I am sick of everybody constantly complaining about the events. Give the man a break and let him do why he was elected and placed in the White House.
As far as I know we had a democratic election in which he came out as the winner. The kew word is DEMOCRATIC. If that is the case why the losers object? This is the system here in this country. Somebody wins somebody loses.
Ever since he won the opposition is in uproar because their lame candidate lost. The country spoke now why is this unacceptable.
When Obama won eight years ago the Republicans did everything to derail his presidency. Because he was black and because he was popular and because he was a Democrat. Speaker beiner did everything in his power to deny whatever the President wanted.
Now the Democratic politicians are playing the same game except that they are in the minority. Trump's main strength that he has a Republican congress behind him.
This constant disagreement and disobedience make the US look like a third world country and make the US the laughing stock of the world.
Trump won because he campaigned on popular subjects and because he is not a politicians. Politicians are crooked and do not care about anybody but themselves. And sadly part of this country don't want to notice it.
Hollywood where the biggest bunch of useless people live think that their opinion count. These overpaid self centered bunch of non-talents think they can influence the thinking of the public. Anybody can be a movie star. Most of these people got to where they are in the horizontal position and that need no talent.
Some of these people want to leave this country. Talk is cheap, go! See where can they make this obscene amount of money they are getting here.
Celine Dion could not make in Canada a fraction of what she makes here in the US. Elton John loves to come here to make money. Why he (she) doesn't stay in the UK and lives on what he can make there?
I am sick of everybody constantly complaining about the events. Give the man a break and let him do why he was elected and placed in the White House.
Thursday, February 2, 2017
Wednesday
Last night my wife and I went to see the musical show Chicago. Since the show started at 8 pm we decided to have dinner before the theater. W knew a nice Italian restaurant, were lucky enough to get in and since they knew we had show tickets service was fairly fast.
After dinner we drove to the theater, found easy parking on the street and went to enjoy the show.
It is unbelievable how things change from the "good old days". Every theater we visited in the past few years have security check at the entrance. They check bags and pocketbooks. They ask the men to open their jackets. It is a good thing they don't ask to take our shoes off.
I remember years ago we walked up to the entrance, showed our tickets and went in. I am sure those days are gone.
At the Celine Dion concert in Las Vegas they even used electronic hand scanners on the patrons.
But regardless, the show was good. Mel B. of the British Spice Girls group fame was the star of the show and I have to admit she was good. The show ran a little over two hours but because of the entertaining good music time was no problem.
Within the last two weeks we went to the theater twice. Now we will take a little rest until March.
Unless...
After dinner we drove to the theater, found easy parking on the street and went to enjoy the show.
It is unbelievable how things change from the "good old days". Every theater we visited in the past few years have security check at the entrance. They check bags and pocketbooks. They ask the men to open their jackets. It is a good thing they don't ask to take our shoes off.
I remember years ago we walked up to the entrance, showed our tickets and went in. I am sure those days are gone.
At the Celine Dion concert in Las Vegas they even used electronic hand scanners on the patrons.
But regardless, the show was good. Mel B. of the British Spice Girls group fame was the star of the show and I have to admit she was good. The show ran a little over two hours but because of the entertaining good music time was no problem.
Within the last two weeks we went to the theater twice. Now we will take a little rest until March.
Unless...
Wednesday, February 1, 2017
Tuesday
In the 1950s there was a kind of monthly beauty peagant where the winner was called Miss Subway of that particular month. Their photographs were exhibited on the subway trains and that was how they got two be known.
One of these women who won the title in 1959 used her talent and opened a retro style diner on Broadway in Manhattan. The interesting fact about this place that it has singing servers. All servers are aspiring actors who are waiting for their big breaks.
In the meantime they serve burgers and other things. The place is very popular, reasonably priced and above all very entertaining. There is non-stop singing of the best and most popular Broadway tunes.
Why am I writing this? Because last night we decided to go into Manhattan and visit this place. We already saw it a few times but Abigail has never been there. Needless to say that after a few initial frowns she immensely liked the place.
We were there for about an hour and a half than walked around Broadway/Times square area before heading home. It was a very nice evening.
Tonight my wife and I are going back to Broadway this time we will see the musical Chicago.
Theater last week theater this week, one can get used to this kind of life.
One of these women who won the title in 1959 used her talent and opened a retro style diner on Broadway in Manhattan. The interesting fact about this place that it has singing servers. All servers are aspiring actors who are waiting for their big breaks.
In the meantime they serve burgers and other things. The place is very popular, reasonably priced and above all very entertaining. There is non-stop singing of the best and most popular Broadway tunes.
Why am I writing this? Because last night we decided to go into Manhattan and visit this place. We already saw it a few times but Abigail has never been there. Needless to say that after a few initial frowns she immensely liked the place.
We were there for about an hour and a half than walked around Broadway/Times square area before heading home. It was a very nice evening.
Tonight my wife and I are going back to Broadway this time we will see the musical Chicago.
Theater last week theater this week, one can get used to this kind of life.
Monday, January 30, 2017
Sunday
We like to shop at Walmart. I really don't care if they are against unions or if they don't treat their people right.
That is not my problem. Nobody is holding a gun to their heads to work there. I only care about our budget and there are many items that cost less than in other places. It is my money and I spend it any which way I think is right (for me).
Down in Daytona Beach I saw Walmart Supercenter that was fantastically equipped. It had everything from auto repair through food through pharmacy and electronics and clothing. Everything a person needs under one roof.
Here in New York I only knew one place not far but it didn't have nearly as much stuff as the one in Florida. We went there several times because their prices for household stuff were still better than anywhere else.
Now, that changed today. We found a Walmart Supercenter only about 6.7-7 miles away. I don't know why I never looked in that direction.
The place is gigantic. A well equipped supermarket with fresh fruits and free meats. Household things, paper stuff, electronic and clothing and pharmacy and many more things.
One shopping cart is just not enough for a weekly shopping. But we had a good time, bought lots of things mostly what we needed. And decided that from now on this is our favorite store.
The Waltons ned our money for sure.
That is not my problem. Nobody is holding a gun to their heads to work there. I only care about our budget and there are many items that cost less than in other places. It is my money and I spend it any which way I think is right (for me).
Down in Daytona Beach I saw Walmart Supercenter that was fantastically equipped. It had everything from auto repair through food through pharmacy and electronics and clothing. Everything a person needs under one roof.
Here in New York I only knew one place not far but it didn't have nearly as much stuff as the one in Florida. We went there several times because their prices for household stuff were still better than anywhere else.
Now, that changed today. We found a Walmart Supercenter only about 6.7-7 miles away. I don't know why I never looked in that direction.
The place is gigantic. A well equipped supermarket with fresh fruits and free meats. Household things, paper stuff, electronic and clothing and pharmacy and many more things.
One shopping cart is just not enough for a weekly shopping. But we had a good time, bought lots of things mostly what we needed. And decided that from now on this is our favorite store.
The Waltons ned our money for sure.
Sunday, January 29, 2017
Saturday
Yesterday, Friday was a pretty good day around our house.
First the elevator that was out of commission all week long finally was put back in service. My wife and I went down (and up) several times during the week out of necessity of course and even though they say walking stairs is good for one's health it was a nuisance.
We were very glad that finally civilization returned.
The other good thing and unexpected thing was that the body shop called and told us that our car was ready.
At 3 pm we picked up the car and man, it looked great. The replacement parts were nice, the car was prepared almost as when we took it out of the showroom. Needless to say that we were very happy to see our baby.
No complaints against the rental car but it was BASIC.
With no elevator and no car of ours we realized how lazy and spoiled we became. Now that we got our car back it didn't take long for us to get used to the "luxuries" that we got used to.
After Friday's "exciting" events today, Saturday was just a regular and normal eventful day.
I just love those.
First the elevator that was out of commission all week long finally was put back in service. My wife and I went down (and up) several times during the week out of necessity of course and even though they say walking stairs is good for one's health it was a nuisance.
We were very glad that finally civilization returned.
The other good thing and unexpected thing was that the body shop called and told us that our car was ready.
At 3 pm we picked up the car and man, it looked great. The replacement parts were nice, the car was prepared almost as when we took it out of the showroom. Needless to say that we were very happy to see our baby.
No complaints against the rental car but it was BASIC.
With no elevator and no car of ours we realized how lazy and spoiled we became. Now that we got our car back it didn't take long for us to get used to the "luxuries" that we got used to.
After Friday's "exciting" events today, Saturday was just a regular and normal eventful day.
I just love those.
Saturday, January 28, 2017
Friday
Last night we went to see Cats. It's been playing on Broadway for years starting in 1981but I never had any inclination to see it then. I'm sorry I missed it!
Last night was great. The music, the performers were totally entertaining. I always thought it was a kids type show. And how wrong I was. It is a show aimed at adults. Still, Abigail immensely enjoyed it. Last night she went to sleep humming a song and this morning woke up to it's music.
I read somewhere that a good musical is where people humm a song upon leaving the theater. Well, this one really qualified.
After the show we went out to eat and it was after midnight by the time we got home. The beauty of the late night driving that it took us very little time to get home.
Over all we had a great time.
Last night was great. The music, the performers were totally entertaining. I always thought it was a kids type show. And how wrong I was. It is a show aimed at adults. Still, Abigail immensely enjoyed it. Last night she went to sleep humming a song and this morning woke up to it's music.
I read somewhere that a good musical is where people humm a song upon leaving the theater. Well, this one really qualified.
After the show we went out to eat and it was after midnight by the time we got home. The beauty of the late night driving that it took us very little time to get home.
Over all we had a great time.
Friday, January 27, 2017
Thursday
I will not have time to sit down and write today because we are having a cultural program.
After a long hiatus we are going to see a Broadway show with Abigail. I will tell about it tomorrow.
After a long hiatus we are going to see a Broadway show with Abigail. I will tell about it tomorrow.
Thursday, January 26, 2017
Wednesday
Yesterday, Tuesday we had such a busy day that I just couldn't get toast down and write. Today is different.
Abigail went iceskating with her friends and we had a few, actually about five hours to ourselves. But there was no relaxation to the weary. We just did errands which included food shopping.
Since there is still no elevator in the building we had to schlepp everything up the stairs. But hopefully because the day is not yet over there will be no need for any further going down.
I know we are spoiled and there are people who live in buildings with absolutely no elevator but that is not us. We have one and that is not operating is just a nuisance.
It's the same thing with our rental car. It is a nice little car with good pickup, comfortable and it takes us wherever we want to go.
But it is a basic car. It has nothing extravagant in it that we are used to. Like GPS, automatically dimmed rearview mirror, left and right lane watch, rear camera as well as a rear guard, electric seats, cruise control and several other things that we got used to.
This reminds me how it was to drive about 35 years ago. It is a good thing that it is not standard shift.
Abigail went iceskating with her friends and we had a few, actually about five hours to ourselves. But there was no relaxation to the weary. We just did errands which included food shopping.
Since there is still no elevator in the building we had to schlepp everything up the stairs. But hopefully because the day is not yet over there will be no need for any further going down.
I know we are spoiled and there are people who live in buildings with absolutely no elevator but that is not us. We have one and that is not operating is just a nuisance.
It's the same thing with our rental car. It is a nice little car with good pickup, comfortable and it takes us wherever we want to go.
But it is a basic car. It has nothing extravagant in it that we are used to. Like GPS, automatically dimmed rearview mirror, left and right lane watch, rear camera as well as a rear guard, electric seats, cruise control and several other things that we got used to.
This reminds me how it was to drive about 35 years ago. It is a good thing that it is not standard shift.
Tuesday, January 24, 2017
Monday
Today is Monday and looking out the window it is pretty dreary evening. Heavy rain and wind and nobody in his right mind is on the streets.
Well, nobody except us. My lovely wife decided to go to a Chinese pastry shop and get some pastry. So, what does an obedient husband do? Gets dressed and goes. We went out. I don't wish this weather on anybody.
Our tiny rental car braved the elements but if the water were to be a little higher we would had to row.
To add insult to injury in our side of the building the elevator is shut down for the week for repairs. No elevator until Friday 5 pm.
We live on the third floor but the building has a lobby floor which makes us four levels up. Waking up and down is not a joy so until Friday we have to seriously weigh the necessity of going out. Fortunately we love our apartment and staying indoors is not a burden.
Because of some tests in her school Abigail is staying home until next Tuesday.
Peace and quiet will be a myth in this household for a while.
Well, nobody except us. My lovely wife decided to go to a Chinese pastry shop and get some pastry. So, what does an obedient husband do? Gets dressed and goes. We went out. I don't wish this weather on anybody.
Our tiny rental car braved the elements but if the water were to be a little higher we would had to row.
To add insult to injury in our side of the building the elevator is shut down for the week for repairs. No elevator until Friday 5 pm.
We live on the third floor but the building has a lobby floor which makes us four levels up. Waking up and down is not a joy so until Friday we have to seriously weigh the necessity of going out. Fortunately we love our apartment and staying indoors is not a burden.
Because of some tests in her school Abigail is staying home until next Tuesday.
Peace and quiet will be a myth in this household for a while.
Monday, January 23, 2017
Sunday
Today was a very good day.
We got up around 11:30 am after having a good night sleep and then...
That was it we didn't do a single thing. Actually my wife cleaned the apartment with me operating the heavy machinery (vacuum cleaner) but outside of that we just enjoyed the non-doing-anything part.
Abigail decided that she would cook dinner for us was not discouraged and she worked very diligently at preparing a garlic chicken breast with mashed potatoes.
Hate to admit but it was good.
Other than assisting her endeavor we just loafed around and enjoyed the peace and quiet. Sometimes that is also necessary for a good life.
We got up around 11:30 am after having a good night sleep and then...
That was it we didn't do a single thing. Actually my wife cleaned the apartment with me operating the heavy machinery (vacuum cleaner) but outside of that we just enjoyed the non-doing-anything part.
Abigail decided that she would cook dinner for us was not discouraged and she worked very diligently at preparing a garlic chicken breast with mashed potatoes.
Hate to admit but it was good.
Other than assisting her endeavor we just loafed around and enjoyed the peace and quiet. Sometimes that is also necessary for a good life.
Sunday, January 22, 2017
Saturday
Thursday night around 7:15 pm we were on our way to visit a friend when at the highway entrance just before entering the mainstream somebody hit our car from the rear.
It was a young lady who decided to start moving before I did. Fortunately nobody got hurt with the exception of our car. Being hers a little shit Volkswagen and ours a big strong suv our car's rear was damaged while hers not at all.
My wife and I were pretty pissed because getting into an accident, no matter how small is not very exciting.
Upon getting home I reported it to our insurance company. Friday morning our company called and told us that the other insurance company (GEICO) accepted all responsibility for the accident.
Today we took our poor "little" car to a GEICO place where they record the damage and being a body shop told us to leave the car there until it is fixed. Through Enterprise they provided us with and-cost rental and now we just have to wait until the work is done.
GEICO called us later today and told us that the damage was about $3,500 and it will be totally fixed. No timeframe was given for the job but since we do have a rental I really don't care.
I used to be with GEICO for over thirty years but recently I changed to Progressive because they cost les. But I am still amazed at the efficiency GEICO works at.
My car is a Hyundai SantaFe SUV. The rental car is a Hyundai Accent. In the SantaFe we are sitting high in the Accent we are looking up people's a. hole.
It was a young lady who decided to start moving before I did. Fortunately nobody got hurt with the exception of our car. Being hers a little shit Volkswagen and ours a big strong suv our car's rear was damaged while hers not at all.
My wife and I were pretty pissed because getting into an accident, no matter how small is not very exciting.
Upon getting home I reported it to our insurance company. Friday morning our company called and told us that the other insurance company (GEICO) accepted all responsibility for the accident.
Today we took our poor "little" car to a GEICO place where they record the damage and being a body shop told us to leave the car there until it is fixed. Through Enterprise they provided us with and-cost rental and now we just have to wait until the work is done.
GEICO called us later today and told us that the damage was about $3,500 and it will be totally fixed. No timeframe was given for the job but since we do have a rental I really don't care.
I used to be with GEICO for over thirty years but recently I changed to Progressive because they cost les. But I am still amazed at the efficiency GEICO works at.
My car is a Hyundai SantaFe SUV. The rental car is a Hyundai Accent. In the SantaFe we are sitting high in the Accent we are looking up people's a. hole.
Saturday, January 21, 2017
Friday
Today was the inauguration of Donald Trump as President. I tell you honestly, this was the best show on television.
We were watching it on C-Span because they show you what is happening and there are no commentators who would non-stop keep explaining what was what we just saw. They assume everybody is stupid and explanations are constantly needed.
Why was this a good show?
Because the ass kissing that went on on a grandiose scale was beyond belief. Trump made it and they have to accept it.
Hillary Clinton was there and she really behaved pretty civilized. I'm sure she was telling herself that this should have been her event but that just didn't happen.
The fact that about 50 congressmen boycotted the event because of some civil rights issue was not even noticeable. Nobody really cared. According to the statistics the turnout was record breaking.
Nobody cared what the media was saying, nobody cared what the opposition was saying people went in droves just to be there and to show their support.
I am sure we are looking forward to some interesting and different times.
We were watching it on C-Span because they show you what is happening and there are no commentators who would non-stop keep explaining what was what we just saw. They assume everybody is stupid and explanations are constantly needed.
Why was this a good show?
Because the ass kissing that went on on a grandiose scale was beyond belief. Trump made it and they have to accept it.
Hillary Clinton was there and she really behaved pretty civilized. I'm sure she was telling herself that this should have been her event but that just didn't happen.
The fact that about 50 congressmen boycotted the event because of some civil rights issue was not even noticeable. Nobody really cared. According to the statistics the turnout was record breaking.
Nobody cared what the media was saying, nobody cared what the opposition was saying people went in droves just to be there and to show their support.
I am sure we are looking forward to some interesting and different times.
Friday, January 20, 2017
Thursday
It is amazing how kids live in their own world. Abigail lives in her own universe. Nothing interests her if it does not involve her.
She is convinced that she is the sun and the world revolves around her. Totally oblivious of anything else that is happening and if it not fun and games.
Tonight I dove to her school to pick her up and take her home. Her last class is over at 3:45pm. I was almost at the school when she called me and asked if it was all right for her to go over to her friend's house and play.
To answer no was not an option! She didn't care that I could have stayed home and not driven to the school because she didn't need a ride to the friend's house. She didn't care if we had other plans for the evening. She just cared about herself.
In her mind she is the queen and our only purpose in life is to serve her every whims and desires.
What a world we live in!
She is convinced that she is the sun and the world revolves around her. Totally oblivious of anything else that is happening and if it not fun and games.
Tonight I dove to her school to pick her up and take her home. Her last class is over at 3:45pm. I was almost at the school when she called me and asked if it was all right for her to go over to her friend's house and play.
To answer no was not an option! She didn't care that I could have stayed home and not driven to the school because she didn't need a ride to the friend's house. She didn't care if we had other plans for the evening. She just cared about herself.
In her mind she is the queen and our only purpose in life is to serve her every whims and desires.
What a world we live in!
Wednesday, January 18, 2017
Tuesday
As I said yesterday the work started pretty much on time. The bad thing about a job like this is that there is nothing to do for us. We were trying to stay out of their ways but could not disappear. The minute we disappeared they were bound to ask something.
The other bad thing was that since every piece of furniture was under plastic covers we had absolutely no place to sit. This by itself was more tiring than anything else.
But regardless of my complaints work proceeded slowly but surely. No matter what we complained about we were assured that they would be done by Thursday pm.
The most difficult task for us was that the two bedrooms (Abigail's and ours) had to be unwrapped and made sweepable and rewrapped the next morning for the workers. We eventually overcame this by asking them to finish these two rooms first.
I had to go down to Home Depot several times to buy additional materials since we were supplying it.
Slowly ever so slowly things started to take shape. Doors were hung, hardware installed, walls prepared and finally painted.
By Thursday noon they were almost finished. A few more hours and by four pm they packed up and left. We didn't want to believe it that it was over.
Now the cleaning begun. My wife had somebody come over and help on Friday and they worked from dawn to dusk and longer. But at the end we looked around and decided it was worth it.
My wife spared me from the heavy lifting and I felt bad not allowed to pitch in as much as I should but I sincerely appreciated her concern for my well being.
Today, a week later we looked back and remembered what shape the place was a week ago.
The other bad thing was that since every piece of furniture was under plastic covers we had absolutely no place to sit. This by itself was more tiring than anything else.
But regardless of my complaints work proceeded slowly but surely. No matter what we complained about we were assured that they would be done by Thursday pm.
The most difficult task for us was that the two bedrooms (Abigail's and ours) had to be unwrapped and made sweepable and rewrapped the next morning for the workers. We eventually overcame this by asking them to finish these two rooms first.
I had to go down to Home Depot several times to buy additional materials since we were supplying it.
Slowly ever so slowly things started to take shape. Doors were hung, hardware installed, walls prepared and finally painted.
By Thursday noon they were almost finished. A few more hours and by four pm they packed up and left. We didn't want to believe it that it was over.
Now the cleaning begun. My wife had somebody come over and help on Friday and they worked from dawn to dusk and longer. But at the end we looked around and decided it was worth it.
My wife spared me from the heavy lifting and I felt bad not allowed to pitch in as much as I should but I sincerely appreciated her concern for my well being.
Today, a week later we looked back and remembered what shape the place was a week ago.
Tuesday, January 17, 2017
Monday, January 16, 2017
When God created women he equipped them with sensory perceptions we men lack.
They see things we do not see, they hear things we do not hear, they know what we think when we don't even know what we think. And al these and more make the super to us.
But it is fine. These make our lives easier since we don't have to make any major decisions at all just live with the consequences.
Sixteen months ago we moved into a brand new apartment in a nice apartment house. It was painted and it was clean. We lived here all these times very comfortably until...
Well, one day my darling wife liked around and decided that she wanted the apartment painted, the base moldings replaces as well as all thirteen doors that we have.
I said sure darling, whatever you want, hoping for a nuclear holocaust that would make this plan obsolete. But it didn't happen and a week and a half ago my wife decided this was the time to do it.
On Friday we spoke to the super of the building and he made arrangements for the work to start on this past Monday, the 9th.
The weekend was spent buying materials like doors, hardware, lumber and paint and also moving every piece of furniture into the middle of the rooms and covering them all up. This was no easy task since we do have a lot of stuff.
Monday morning arrived we got up at the crack of dawn and begun to wait for the workmen to arrive. On gets very anxious at times like these because one wonders if they will really come or find an excuse for not showing up.
One year I went through something like this. We were expecting the painter. Took the apartment apart, moved the furniture an sat and waited for hours for the painter who never arrived. It turned out that day was agree holiday and they forgot to tell us that the painter was supposed to be off.
So one can understand my anxiety at waiting for the workers. But it turned out fine. At 9 am they showed up and started work as promised.
More tomorrow.
They see things we do not see, they hear things we do not hear, they know what we think when we don't even know what we think. And al these and more make the super to us.
But it is fine. These make our lives easier since we don't have to make any major decisions at all just live with the consequences.
Sixteen months ago we moved into a brand new apartment in a nice apartment house. It was painted and it was clean. We lived here all these times very comfortably until...
Well, one day my darling wife liked around and decided that she wanted the apartment painted, the base moldings replaces as well as all thirteen doors that we have.
I said sure darling, whatever you want, hoping for a nuclear holocaust that would make this plan obsolete. But it didn't happen and a week and a half ago my wife decided this was the time to do it.
On Friday we spoke to the super of the building and he made arrangements for the work to start on this past Monday, the 9th.
The weekend was spent buying materials like doors, hardware, lumber and paint and also moving every piece of furniture into the middle of the rooms and covering them all up. This was no easy task since we do have a lot of stuff.
Monday morning arrived we got up at the crack of dawn and begun to wait for the workmen to arrive. On gets very anxious at times like these because one wonders if they will really come or find an excuse for not showing up.
One year I went through something like this. We were expecting the painter. Took the apartment apart, moved the furniture an sat and waited for hours for the painter who never arrived. It turned out that day was agree holiday and they forgot to tell us that the painter was supposed to be off.
So one can understand my anxiety at waiting for the workers. But it turned out fine. At 9 am they showed up and started work as promised.
More tomorrow.
Friday, January 6, 2017
Thursday
I am not a superpatriotic person but there are things happening that burn my insides.
We are living in a democratic society that is governed by a constitution. That document might not be perfect but still it is one of the best in the world. It governes life in this country and like it or not that is what we have.
So, there was a presidential election in November and Donald Trump won with a considerable electoral majority. As in every election there are ones who vote for the other candidates and like in every election there is a winner and there are losers.
But I have never seen anything like what people who are against this winner do. They act like hurt teenage girls. "I didn't get what I wanted so I want nothing now."
Some people voiced their discontent after the election like Robert DeNiro who said he would move to Canada. Good, don't let the door hit you in the back!
Others like the Canadian Celine Dion and the Brit Elton John refused an invitation to appear at the Presidential Inauguration in Washington.
It seems that this country is only good for asking enormous fees for their appearances but our democratic system is not to their liking. Not to accept a democratically elected president is about an un-American as spying to an enemy country.
Not accepting a democratically elected president (for me) is equal to trying to destroy this country.
We are living in a democratic society that is governed by a constitution. That document might not be perfect but still it is one of the best in the world. It governes life in this country and like it or not that is what we have.
So, there was a presidential election in November and Donald Trump won with a considerable electoral majority. As in every election there are ones who vote for the other candidates and like in every election there is a winner and there are losers.
But I have never seen anything like what people who are against this winner do. They act like hurt teenage girls. "I didn't get what I wanted so I want nothing now."
Some people voiced their discontent after the election like Robert DeNiro who said he would move to Canada. Good, don't let the door hit you in the back!
Others like the Canadian Celine Dion and the Brit Elton John refused an invitation to appear at the Presidential Inauguration in Washington.
It seems that this country is only good for asking enormous fees for their appearances but our democratic system is not to their liking. Not to accept a democratically elected president is about an un-American as spying to an enemy country.
Not accepting a democratically elected president (for me) is equal to trying to destroy this country.
Thursday, January 5, 2017
Wednesday
I forgot to mention that we had a very nice New Year's Eve celebration. We went out to diner with family then stayed home and waited for the ball to drop. My wife's son and his girlfriend were with us and with Abigail present there was the five of us.
That's about the size of a group I like. We talked, we laughed and at the proper time we drank.
Watched that dumbs ass show on ABC, Dick Clark's New Year's Eve. It was forced, it was phony and it was boring. But lacking anything else the TV had it on. The biggest bore on that show was Mariah Carey.
Her only talent is wearing enormous decolltage. Her lip singing and prima donna behavior is something else. Maybe her talent is that she gets away with it!
When midnight approached we all stood up raised our glasses and toasted the New Year and wished all the best to each other.
By 2 am the New Year being two hours old we went to bed. Another New Year's Eve down the hatch.
That's about the size of a group I like. We talked, we laughed and at the proper time we drank.
Watched that dumbs ass show on ABC, Dick Clark's New Year's Eve. It was forced, it was phony and it was boring. But lacking anything else the TV had it on. The biggest bore on that show was Mariah Carey.
Her only talent is wearing enormous decolltage. Her lip singing and prima donna behavior is something else. Maybe her talent is that she gets away with it!
When midnight approached we all stood up raised our glasses and toasted the New Year and wished all the best to each other.
By 2 am the New Year being two hours old we went to bed. Another New Year's Eve down the hatch.
Wednesday, January 4, 2017
Tuesday
Pain, pain, pain. There are several types of pains that may bother men.
I used to tell some ladies in my office that they say childbirth is painful. I once got a paper cut under a fingernail and that was pain of the first order.
Today my wife cut my toenails. She always insists on cutting my fingernails a nd toenails. I really don't mind it at all.
The fingernail procedure went on ok but the toenail reduction hurt like crazy. My wife knows no mercy. When she decides to do something she does it no matter how it hurts. And hurt they did.
I only winced at the start but as time went on I was almost in tears. It is very peculiar how sensitive a person's toes are. It isn a good thing that I only have this on a month or so. I can't see how women can expose themselves to such torture on a regular basis.
The difference is that men have it done out of necessity women have it done out of fashion, pride or just the want to look nice.
I used to tell some ladies in my office that they say childbirth is painful. I once got a paper cut under a fingernail and that was pain of the first order.
Today my wife cut my toenails. She always insists on cutting my fingernails a nd toenails. I really don't mind it at all.
The fingernail procedure went on ok but the toenail reduction hurt like crazy. My wife knows no mercy. When she decides to do something she does it no matter how it hurts. And hurt they did.
I only winced at the start but as time went on I was almost in tears. It is very peculiar how sensitive a person's toes are. It isn a good thing that I only have this on a month or so. I can't see how women can expose themselves to such torture on a regular basis.
The difference is that men have it done out of necessity women have it done out of fashion, pride or just the want to look nice.
Tuesday, January 3, 2017
Monday
There is nothing wrong with a clean environment. I love to live in a clan apartment where every inch of the place is impeccably clean.
I have to say that all that is because my wife is a very clean person. Every single day we do a minor go through the apartment cleaning it up. She cleans the bathrooms while I do the vacuuming. This last thing is not mandatory but just to be fair I volunteered to do it.
I always believed that a good husband should contribute to keeping the house. And that also involves some physical work. Thus, I volunteered to operate the vacuum cleaner. I figured that was a more manly task than cleaning the bathrooms.
I mean, us men were made to do more complex tasks and in this house the vacuum cleaner falls into that category.
So, this afternoon after returning from our food shopping it was time to do the cleaning. Abigail was doing the dusting, my wife the supervision and bathrooms et moi le operateur de aspirateur.
After that we are going out to dinner.
I have to say that all that is because my wife is a very clean person. Every single day we do a minor go through the apartment cleaning it up. She cleans the bathrooms while I do the vacuuming. This last thing is not mandatory but just to be fair I volunteered to do it.
I always believed that a good husband should contribute to keeping the house. And that also involves some physical work. Thus, I volunteered to operate the vacuum cleaner. I figured that was a more manly task than cleaning the bathrooms.
I mean, us men were made to do more complex tasks and in this house the vacuum cleaner falls into that category.
So, this afternoon after returning from our food shopping it was time to do the cleaning. Abigail was doing the dusting, my wife the supervision and bathrooms et moi le operateur de aspirateur.
After that we are going out to dinner.
Monday, January 2, 2017
Sunday, January 1, 2017
Today is the first day of 2017. I really can't tell the difference between the last day of 2016 and today. So, what is the big deal? We just have to write a different date on the checks we send out.
But I remember tp 1999 to 2000. The Y2K craze. They (the smart ones) were convinced that the Earth will stop rotating around its axis and all civilization as we know it will cease to exist. There be no Internet service, computers will stop working, there'll be no electricity and in short nothing will work.
What happened just proves that even those smart people don't know everything about computers. And that makes me feel a lot better.
1999 came to a close and 2000 rolled in. Nothing, absolutely nothing happened. Every piece of intelligent machinery kept on working like it was just another day.
The only ones made money out of this were some computer programming companies who sold specialized software just in case something was to happen.
The change from yesterday to today went on unremarkably.
The only thing was that my birthday got to be a day closer!
But I remember tp 1999 to 2000. The Y2K craze. They (the smart ones) were convinced that the Earth will stop rotating around its axis and all civilization as we know it will cease to exist. There be no Internet service, computers will stop working, there'll be no electricity and in short nothing will work.
What happened just proves that even those smart people don't know everything about computers. And that makes me feel a lot better.
1999 came to a close and 2000 rolled in. Nothing, absolutely nothing happened. Every piece of intelligent machinery kept on working like it was just another day.
The only ones made money out of this were some computer programming companies who sold specialized software just in case something was to happen.
The change from yesterday to today went on unremarkably.
The only thing was that my birthday got to be a day closer!
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