In the summer of 1987, my sister Anne and I embarked upon a ten day, six country tour of Europe, via motor coach. The tour was comprised of ten travelers, ranging in age from 21-35 years, a category since eliminated, no doubt due to the liability the tour company incurred from the recklessness, that oftenContinue reading ““A Ten Day Taste of Europe””
Today marks the 14th Anniversary of the death of my friend, Dr. Mark O’Neill. He departed this world in his prime, after a long illness of which I knew not. It is said life is fleeting. Glancing at this photograph taken at my annual NYC Christmas party, thirty five years ago at which Mark wasContinue reading “The Good Doctor”
One of my very favorite memories of working in New York City was a ritual I enjoyed each morning before the onset of my work day. Tucked neatly away in a corner of my office building lay a parallel universe of culinary delight known as Howard Johnson’s. Famous for its orange roof, fried clams andContinue reading “Memories of Howard Johnson’s Takeout Counter”
“On the road, again, just can’t wait to get on that road again. Going places that I’ve never been. Seein’ things that I may never see again. And I can’t wait to get on the road again.” Willie Nelson “Your mother,” began Jimmy Dillon, who sat contentedly perched on the bar stool next to mine.Continue reading “On the Road Again”
“Last night I had a pleasant dream I woke up with a smile. I dreamt that I was back again in dear old Erin’s Isle” (Lovely Leitrim) “Now this looks interesting!” pondered my father a hint of excitement in his voice as he sat studying the Irish paper. It was the summer of 1977 andContinue reading “Summers Remembered”
Thirty-four years ago, I was hired as an Advertising Sales Assistant to a man named Jim Cappello. We worked selling advertising for a publishing company located in midtown Manhattan. I can still envision our sparse office located in that beautiful Art Deco building called The Chanin, between 41st and 42nd Streets. I recall the newspaperContinue reading “Screwdriver Parties Part II”
It always draws controversy. I recall a neighbor glancing at the painting with the discerning eye of a collector remarking, “How in-ter-esting!” Love it or hate it, it hangs on my bedroom wall. This vivid, lively swirl of jade green, orange and blue with the upside down heart (my interpretation) The painting that brings the memory of my father closer to meContinue reading “Daily Post Photo Challenge “Vivid””
Pulling into my driveway late one afternoon, my eyes fell upon a dark sedan sitting idly. Unable to recognize a face through the tinted windows and noting a New Jersey plate, a state from which I knew no one, a slight feeling of unease ensued. And then as if in slow motion, a window wentContinue reading “Screwdriver Parties”
Shangri-La 