Best to All

2021 Christmas is here. Boy, time went by fast! I still remember last year's quiet, somber celebration with all the pandemic things going on. But as I always maintain, no matter what happen, the sun will come up next day. Time marches on, and this year is almost over.

I will now take a little Holiday hiatus. I will use this time to recharge my batteries. Will return in the new year.

Until then, I wish a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all my friends and to all who might be lucky enough to find and read this blog.  

Manhattan

What is the magic about Manhattan? This the question raised almost in my house. Manhattan is the center of New York City, It is one of the five boroughs that comprises New York City. With the exception of Central Park, it is all asphalt. Various neighborhoods make up Manhattan, and with different neighborhoods come different people. The different people can be races, nationalities, income variations.

There are middle class, lower class and extremely high-class areas. There are stores, department stores, movie theaters, the Opera and then there is Broadway. The middle of Manhattan is made up of mostly office building where the multitude of the population work.

There used to be the flower district, the garment district, areas where printing shops occupied spaces and then there was the meatpacking district where New York's meat supply was prepared daily and sent out to merchants. Because of the exorbitant rents most of these do not exist any longer because they were pushed out to make rooms for high priced apartment buildings.

Now, why am I writing this? Because Abigail and her friends are infatuated with Manhattan. If they could, they would spend every free minute of their time there. I worked In Manhattan for 40 years and at the end of the day I could hardly wait to get home to my suburban, tree lined street. These young people think that Manhattan is the holy land. Abigail believes that when the time comes that is the only place she is destined to work. Any mentioning about moving to another city, state brings up tears, screaming and bad arguments.

Another thing. Life in Manhattan costs more than in the suburbs. These young people don't even realize what it would cost them to live there should the need arise. I and a other people I know didn't see anything nice and inviting about Manhattan. The streets are dirty, the people are unfriendly, everybody is always rushing, and then there is crime. That place is a magnet for crime. Every day we hear terrible things that happen on the subways. Traffic is terrible, parking is almost impossible. 

Now why would anybody in their right mind would want to live there? These young people look at life, for now, through rose colored glasses. But eventually reality will hit them and will realize that us, the old people were right. I hope I will be around to see it.

 

Abigail

Abigail finished her semester. All final exams were done, there are no more classes to attend. What is left now is the social life. Not that there was none before, but now she has to make up for all lost time. Saturday was the day for the last final. Sunday was spent with family, and Monday is blast off day. 

Monday she is going into Manhattan with her number one girlfriend for a day of wandering around, eating and shopping. It is cold today, but they are numb to the weather when they can be in the city. Tuesday it is another girlfriend who is on the schedule and Wednesday it is the boyfriend's day. I think he is down on the schedule because his school is not over yet. 

I am sure that Abigail will not be lacking things to do and people to see until school starts again, next year. In six months, she will be 20 years old. Helping her mom at home never ever occurred to her. This thing irks me a lot. Maybe I am old fashioned, but I do believe that girls should help out around the house to ease their mothers' workload. But when I say that she labels me as a sexist old man. 

Is this the way we were when we were at that age? Ok, most of my friends were boys, and it was not expected from us to help around the house. We spent our free time hanging out. chasing girls and not much else. But I think the girls I knew did help their mothers. The sad thing is that all Abigail's friends are like her. She is not unique. They all think they are princesses and look at housework as something demeaning.

My friend, who lived through this keeps telling me that this is a phase, and it will change. From where I sit time is not moving fast  enough.

Virus

What goes around, comes around, or history repeats itself. 

Last year this time we were in the middle of the pandemic and its restrictions. Then as the numbers slowly eased up so did the restrictions, at least in New York City. Restaurants, theaters, movies and all other public places opened up to give life a semblance of normalcy. I am not saying that we did not like it and were not eager to return to a life known previously.

The entire covid thing took a form of political ping pong. Some states believed it and adhered to the guidelines, some states did not and chose not to follow the guidelines. To true American form some people objected to the restrictions while others observed them. Nobody knew what was to come. My wife keeps saying this virus is not like train that comes and then leaves, this is here to stay.

Right now, it looks like she is justified in her comment. With the Delta variant and the Omicron there are new dangers lurking in the shadows. Nobody knows what vaccines work and what vaccines have no effect. Nobody knows if the booster shots are good for the current variants or not. Bottom line, nobody knows anything! It all depends on who is hollering the loudest. Unfortunately, this is still a political issue.

A week ago, we went into Manhattan for Friday night Sabbath Services. The temple was full of people, attendance was good, and we really enjoyed it. This time, a week later service was front of an empty house. Because of the virus the temple returned to the way services were held this time, last year. No worshippers and rabbis webcasted from home.

I really like soccer (football) and watch it whenever possible. There are lots of matches from England on tv. Lately they are all played in empty stadiums. Very depressing to see this.

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With old age comes forgetfulness. At least this an excuse one can use. I, simply forgot to write for last Saturday. My apologies to the multitude of readers.  

Sunday

 It is the last Sunday before Christmas and that means I am not producing.

Robi the Robot

Some months ago, my wife visited her sister in Hungary. Upon her return she told me that she was surprised to see that her sister had one of these robot vacuum cleaners. She said if her sister had one, we must also have one. 

So, some weeks later she told me that I would be very pleased because she bought one on Amazon. And this would mean I will only have to vacuum maybe twice a week, other time we would use the robot, Sounded great.

But here is the reality. That machine is destined to the junk heap! So far, we used it maybe about three times, and each time it had some problems. It has a mind of its own. Does not go where we want it to go, gets stuck in tight spaces, and after a few minutes it takes a "sabbatical". We can't figure out how long that thing can run and what to do to make it run to our liking.

The book is pretty complicated, and it is primarily occupied with programming that damn thing. Forget about programming it. How about just straight running it? On TV commercials it cleans up the place. In reality this thing is going back and forth and not following the desired pattern.

Since I am the "chief" vacuum cleaner operator in this house I have not seen any benefit of this contraption at all. My lovely wife is a clean freak and that means we do once a year spring cleaning every day. 

So while this robot keeps on charging, I keep on vacuuming.  

New Mayor

New York City is getting a new mayor starting the first day of the new year. The current one was here for eight years and because of the term limit he can not run any longer, unless he has as much money as Bloomberg, who bought himself a third year. Ok, it is time that this mayor is leaving because he didn't do much for the City.

Even though the current mayor is a democrat as well as the mayor elect, he is going ahead showing that everything done so far was wrong and he is different, and he will change them. I guess it is required by protocol that the current leadership submit its resignation and whomever the new guy wants will be asked to stay on.

I don't remember if I mentioned it before that the new person is black. The current police commissioner already announced that he was retiring at the end of the year. He is an Irish American who came up from the ranks. Yesterday the new police commissioner was announced. An African American woman who comes from one of the neighboring counties. 

In the 1990s New York had an African American mayor by the name of David Dinkins. He was not good at all, and after one term of four years he was shown the door. He was a tennis fan, and as far as I remember the only good thing he did, he got the planes coming in and going out of LaGuardia Airport rerouted so they wouldn't fly over the US Open Tennis Tournament and disturbing everybody with the jet noise.

I don't know if this mayor will be able to come up with such a gigantic good for the people, but I am sure that if he does not perform, four years from now he can look for another job.

Relaxation

A quiet day in our house is anything but quiet. Like today. Today Abigail had to be in Manhattan, in class by 8 am. It was final exam in mathematics, and for some reason class started at 8 AM. Stupid!

For her to get into Manhattan by that time, and by subway it was necessary to get up at 6 and leave the house around 6:30. Since it was still dark, my wife decided to go with her, rather than letting her go alone. Taking the car into the City at that hour and then come back to our apartment because of the traffic was not an option. So, between 6:30 and 7 am they left. I was still asleep. That ungodly hour is not my time to get up.

I got up around 8. Had breakfast, cleaned myself up and got ready for the day. 9 am my darling wife walks in. She was lucky, the train came fast and got her home swiftly. A little time for relaxation then off to do errands in the area. By noon, Abigail is home and she announced that shew wanted to go to Macy's to do some shopping. Unfortunately, I was told that my presence was necessary. So, we go to Macy's to a nearby shopping center where we easily spent three hours. In these places there is absolutely no chance to sit down, and by the end of the three hours I was really tired. 

On the way home we stopped at a few neighborhood stores, picked up some Chinese food for late lunch and then really got home. At home I was told I had to clean the apartment while my wife started to prepare and cook dinner. I don't know about the dinner, but the apartment is spic and span. This is the forst time I finally had the chance to sit down and relax.

I am still waiting for the opportunity when I will be able to take an afternoon nap.  

Robin, again

On Monday Robin was taken to his beauty makeover. Every 5 - 6 weeks he gets a makeover. That includes bath, haircut, nail clipping etc. The young lady that always does him works for a big pet store company and that is where Robin usually goes. They know each other, they are used to each other so this never creates any problem.

The lady got pregnant and in November stopped working at the store, but she told us she would continue doing this from home if we wanted to. So, in early November we took Robin to her house. She doesn't live far from us, and this was no problem. She did a fantastic job, away from the high pressure of the salon, and Robin behaved admirably.

This Monday was the second appointment for the little guy. In the meantime, the lady gave birth to a boy, but she is already working from home. We went to her house at the appointed time. She said that her mom would come out and pick up Robin and take him into the house.

My wife got a little nervous because she was apprehensive Robin would not take to this person. Well, not to worry. He immediately licked the lady's hand and pulled her toward the house, with swift steps up about ten steps up to the house. Never turned around to say bye!

Sunday he wouldn't go up or down the stairs, this time he was pulling the lady after himself. Two hours later he was done, nice and clean and very happy to see us again. The lady who did her told us he behaved very nicely. Happily roaming around the house, not barking at all. In the salon when a dog is done, they put him in a cage until he is picked up. In this house he was allowed to roam free and that made him very happy. I was very proud of the little guy.

Yes, and this service also cost quite less than when it is done in the store.   

Visit

Even if I wanted to write on Sunday I couldn't because I wouldn't have the time. Sunday, we went to visit my friend and his wife out of town. He lives only about 140 miles away which is a little more than two hours of driving, still it takes some planning to decide the trip. The older we all get, the harder to decide on such an excursion. And that is a shame.

It was a very pleasant trip and visit. Fortunately, the weather was nice and that made driving pleasant not counting traffic. At the visit we talked about health and then changed the subject and talked about doctors. What else people of our generation talk about? Oh, we also ate. Our friends prepared a very nice and lavish lunch for us. Since I don't leave the house without my other best friend, eating was not a problem.

Who is my other best friend, you ask? My elastic waistband! Wherever I go it goes with me and makes my life easier. This waistband is like good dog. It does not ask for anything, it is honest ant it easily conforms to my demands.

Speaking of a good dog. We took Robin with us because we just couldn't leave him home for such a long time. I was very proud of the little guy. He behaved very well. After the initial sniffing around the house, it was like he lived there forever. The only thing he did not do is go up or down on the stairs. His attitude was "hey, I am an apartment dog, I don't do stairs". 

My friend and I are like twin brothers. We think alike, we talk alike, ok so we don't look alike. But these similarities make our relationship very easy. We are of the same age, and we go back a very long time (almost a lifetime). My wife and Abigail easily blended into this relationship, and now I can add Robin to it, also.

I cherish this friendship and want to keep it going as long as it is possibe! 

Sunday

 Sunday.  Sunday.  Sunday.

Stuff

There are a few things in life that I figured out the answers to. This will not make me a wise old man it will just make people believe that I am extremely bright.

Why is it that old(er) people vividly remember or recall things that happened a long time ago but can not remember what happened yesterday. The answer is very simple.

There is nobody around who was there at the time of the event, meaning there is nobody questioning the accuracy the story. The result is that people will admire the oldster for having a good memory. The only problem is that the same story may surface with different outcomes.

I mentioned it before that curling is an extremely boring winter sport. I figured out by myself why is it called curling. I was unlucky enough to see a curling game on TV this afternoon. The result was that I curled up and went to sleep during it. That's why it is called curling.

For over a week now weather forecasters were talking about snow. Idiots! Right now, the temperature is around 60 degrees Fahrenheit and for the entire week they are promising warm weather. White Christmas in this area is only a myth. It only appears in the movies and mainly in the Hallmark movies.

Years ago, they were selling special snow tires for the winter. I always exchanged my regular tires for snow tires. They were supposed to give better traction in the snow than the ones we used in the rest of the year. There was also a possibility to install studs into these snow tires to eliminate the danger of slipping in ice. I also had these. Whatever they offered, I had.

Now none of these are available, not even snow. I wonder if the lack of snow is related to the chip shortage!

Day Labor

 There is a class of work in this country, at least in the New York area that white Americans just do not want to do. Maybe they find the work demeaning, low paid or whatever else. But the work or job position must be fulfilled. This results in employing Hispanics. English speaking is not always a requirement!

You go into a vegetable fruit store the staff is always Hispanic. There was a Japanese seafood restaurant not far from us, the staff was all Hispanic. In the New York hotel industry, all lower-level jobs are filled with Hispanics. Dishwashers, servers, food delivery people, landscapers and many many other positions are filled with Hispanics.

There are neighborhoods where there are groups of men congregating on the streets waiting for an opportunity to do work. These are day laborers. People come with cars, pickup trucks and hire them for a day's work. These are without exception Hispanics. One time when we moved and needed help, we also hired two men to help us out. They told us what they wanted, we agreed, and I admit they worked very hard all day long.

But as I said at the beginning, one will not find white Americans looking for this kind of work. The question is why? I guess either they find the work demeaning and also object to the low pay. But the way I see it work is work and it is better than doing nothing. But unfortunately, the majority find that collecting whatever benefits are available is always preferable to work.

Good country, America!     

Car

Today we took our Hyundai back to the dealer for a recall service. I actually like recalls because the thing is their fault, and it costs nothing. So, for whatever complicated reason the car fell into a category that necessitated a recall.

We had an early morning appointment, but like any other appointments it meant nothing. First come, first serve is their motto. Well, they took the car and told us it would take about three hours. We kind of prepared for this. After checking the surrounding area, we realized that we were within walking distance to a Romanian meat store that we know. So, we walked over. BIG MISTAKE!

To go to a store on an empty stomach is unforgiveable. We bought so much goodies that we had a hard time carrying it back to the car dealership. The goodies included all kinds of cold cuts that are really appreciated by my Hungarian palate.

Back at the dealership I was talking to the sales manager, and he told me they have only about 27 cars on their inventory, and 10 of those are unsaleable. So, the situation is really critical. I really do not understand where our president is when he announces that unilaterally there are no shortages. The showroom was empty, there were no costumers, the salespeople were sitting around doing nothing. This is exactly the way it was back in the 1950s in the soviet ruled countries. Car showrooms were empty, one could sign up for a car and maybe six months later he got one. 

Interestingly, the area where this dealership is located is well known for all brands of cars. It used to be filled with car transports daily bringing in the new automobiles. We drove through it today, nothing. Used cars there are plenty of, new cars zero.

By way, we waited three hours for our car to get it ready. Just like at the doctors' office.

Day Labor

There is a class of work in this country, at least in the New York area that white Americans just do not want to do. Maybe they find the work demeaning, low paid or whatever else. But the work or job position must be fulfilled. This results in employing Hispanics. English speaking is not always a requirement!

You go into a vegetable fruit store the staff is always Hispanic. There was a Japanese seafood restaurant not far from us, the staff was all Hispanic. In the New York hotel industry, all lower-level jobs are filled with Hispanics. Dishwashers, servers, food delivery people, landscapers and many many other positions are filled with Hispanics.

There are neighborhoods where there are groups of men congregating on the streets waiting for an opportunity to do work. These are day laborers. People come with cars, pickup trucks and hire them for a day's work. These are without exception Hispanics. One time when we moved and needed help, we also hired two men to help us out. They told us what they wanted, we agreed, and I admit they worked very hard all day long.

But as I said at the beginning, one will not find white Americans looking for this kind of work. The question is why? I guess either they find the work demeaning and also object to the low pay. But the way I see it work is work and it is better than doing nothing. But unfortunately, the majority find that collecting whatever benefits are available is always preferable to work.

Good country, America!     

The Pres

Dear President Biden,

You are the perfect example of a communist dictator. The kind I spent my young years with. The propaganda you spit out is unbelievable. Except maybe you do believe it. 

First, you came to power under questionable circumstances. You do believe that the people love you and wanted you in the White House. You elbowed your way in and started to demolish whatever the previous administration accomplished. Immigration, Israel-Arab friendships, consumer prices, oil etc.

You tell the people what you want to hear. In almost 12 months you did not take any questions from reporters because you do not know the correct answers.

Last week you made a disgusting speech where you denied that there were any shortages. When was the last time you visited a supermarket without previous announcement? Please drop in on one and see yourself how empty the shelves are. Stop at a gas station and see how expensive the price of gasoline is.

You took the information of company CEOs who did not want to upset you and said what you wanted to hear. You are just as far from reality as the communist leadership of the European communist countries were. They also forced on us their policies and wanted to believe that it was for the better for us.

This is America. We did not come here to live in a soviet style state, but you and OC try to convert us into one.   

Traffic

Today is Tuesday, November 7. I had to get up early in the morning because I had a dermatologist appointment at 9:30 in the morning. What made this even worse that this appointment was in Lower Manhattan. Even though there is a subway stop just next to the doctor's office, my wife decided that we would drive in.

Driving into Manhattan any time of the day is a terrible experience, but during morning rush it is even worse. We left the house just before 7:45 and got to the office a little before 9:30. Even though the traffic lights favor City bound movement, because of the mass of cars and trucks it is still crawling. I in great favor of subway travel, since throughout my working years that was what I mostly used, but my wife just hates it.

I don't blame her. Lately the news is full of bad things that happen at stations or on trains, so not taking any chances is understandable. We usually park in a nearby garage, for about 45-50 dollars (with discount) but this time we decided that since it was to be a short visit, she would wait for me in the car nearby on the street. This worked out fine, I finished pretty quickly and by noon we were home already. 

The doctor visit was routine, no problem. I have one cancerous thing on my right hand that is needed to be surgically removed (Mohse). This is not a big thing, I had that procedure before. 

I never look forward to going to Manhattan. Spent most of my life there and that was enough.

Cloning

Hitler wanted to create the super race. People who were superior to everyone, smarter, better looking, and just better at everything than anybody else.

Well, I think there had to be a secret program somewhere, because I think this program succeeded. Watching Wheel of Fortune every night at 7:30 on ABC, I can not help but think of this. Every time there are three contestants. A mix of men and women and also a racial mix. Each has to introduce himself or herself an say a few words of their family situation.

Without fail, each contestant has the best mate/partner/spouse, the love of his or her life and the best children in the universe. Those people are the cream de la cream of society. It is a shame nobody knows anything about them. But maybe they should surface and try to improve this world we live in.

This game show runs about nine months a year. That is about 36 weeks, three contestant each total 108 participant. That means there are 108 superhuman living amongst us. This show has been on air for 35 years. That means about 3,780 wonderful families are living in this country alone. Unbelieveble!

We should clone them.

Sunday

What goes around, comes around. Life is nothing but a repetition of things of the past.

It is Sunday, again!!!!

Restaurant

My anniversary came and went. If I say the entire day was nothing but non-stop celebration, I would be lying. Actually, my wife's opinion of me is that I am a gigantic pain in the .... With this attitude there is not much room left for celebration.

But we did. After a very mundane start of the day, it was finished with a celebration. And how you ask?

I tell you. My wife, Abigail and I went out into the jungles of Manhattan for a very fancy dinner. But before dinner we went to Temple Emanu-El on Fifth Avenue for Friday night Sabbath service. The last time we were there was just before the pandemic hit and all such gatherings were stopped. At this time they were open to the public, so we went.

We like this temple. It is reformed, nice service, primarily in English and it only lasts about an hour. Our kind of stuff.

After the temple we went to the restaurant. Few days earlier I made reservation at the Smith & Wollensky steak house on the East Side of Manhattan. We got a good table and had a very good meal. We all had filet mignon with baked potatoes, a glass of wine (not Abigail). The steak was wonderful and a lot. The girls couldn't finish theirs, so the remaining is tonight's dinner. I was a good boy and ate whatever was front of me.

Interesting point. This restaurant is very expensive, yet it was totally full, they were fully booked. In the room we were sitting I was by far the oldest person. All the customers were young and younger people. So, where all the money is coming from? Why do people are crying that there is no money?                    Come to Manhattan, look into one of these expensive restaurants and see how money is being spent.      

Tony Bennett

Last Sunday there was a birthday concert shown on TV. It was Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga from the Radio City Music Hall. They celebrated Tony Bennett's 95th birthday and supposed retirement from show business. Even though his birthday was in August, it was shown now, in November.

Give credit where credit is due, he was surprisingly good. His age showed, walked with help but his voice was still fairly strong, and not unpleasant to listen to. On the other hand, Lady Gaga was very disappointing. She reminded me of a drugged up Liza Minelli. She tried to dance, but in my opinion, she did not succeed. She should not give up her day job.

Also, her fussing about Tony Bennett, like kissing his hand was pretty tasteless. Please, the man is not the pope, not even a cardinal. What is all this kissing?

Overall, the program was fairly enjoyable and had I known it in advance I might have tried to get some tickets.

Anniversary

On 2015, on this day, the 3rd of December I said, "I do". This was a small ceremony, held in the Queens Borough Hall, accompanied with a very small circle of family.

This was my third marriage for both of us. We figured the third time is a charmer. When I think back, I lived most of my adult life in holy matrimony. From 1957 until now, 2021 it is 60 years of married life, including about four years off between spouses.

This marriage better last for the rest of my life because I know that I found my perfect partner whom I unconditionally love. She is my wife, my best friend, my confidant and my nurse. Nurse, because I am a grouchy old man full of problems and complaints. She takes care of me, straightens me out and sends me to hell when I am stupid enough to upset her.

She is very temperamental which leads to several arguments, but most of the time I admit that she is in the right and peace prevails. 

I also have to admit that she is brighter than I am. It hurts, but this is the truth. My wife works, keeps house and runs her business. With all that she keeps Abigail and me in line.

I know that I am very lucky to have found her and to get another chance of life.      

News

American TV has a lot of stations that broadcast only news. But I have a problem with those. Understandably, they only broadcast what is related to this country. And, hours and hours are spent on commentaries, pro and con of this administration. Listening to those I get saturated with controversial information and filled to the top with repetitive news.

For this reason, we found two networks whose programming are more widespread. BBC World News shows interesting news from around the world. A few days ago, they even had a live interview with one of the Hungarian prime minister candidates. They are really global.

The other network we like is I24. This is an Israeli news channel airing primarily Israeli but also international news in English. I find it fascinating how the world changes, how past sworn enemies become friends and partners.

Case in point, the Israeli station is full of Dubai commercials and lately also showing commercials from some other Muslim countries. Not Palestine, though! Looks like Dubai and Israel are becoming good buddies. According to TV Israeli tourists are flocking to Dubai. 

It is funny how this Middle Eastern buddy-buddy thing started during the Trump era but somehow it was all forgotten. Whatever happen to his Nobel Peace Prize nomination?   

Women

Today was the perfect example about why women see things differently than men. There is something in their eyes that we lack. They see things we just do not or we do not care about.

We have a display cabinet with silver things in it. Nothing extravagantly valuable but we like them. They look nice, pleasant to look at them. My wife looked at the display and announced it that this stuff needs cleaning. I have no idea what did she see, what did she notice. For me they looked perfectly nice and shiny.

By the time I got up this morning she had the entire cabinet empty, all the pieces on the table and she was in the middle of shining them. Worked on it for almost three hours.                                                              But I have to admit they do look different. They are nice, clean and shiny, and even more pleasant to look at.

But still, I did not see that they were deteriorating in any way. As far as I am concerned, they could have stayed in their previous stage, without all that extra work. But I guess that is what separates us men from women.

We don't know what is good for us.