From time to time I leave my buzzing bachelor pad in Manhattan and return to the "Old Country".

Whether the need for my literal and figurative nostalgia trip to my parents' home in Jericho arises from sentimental longing or the purely physical need for a well-balanced meal, I cannot tell. Either way, it's always interesting to view the evolution of one's nest after you've flown the coop.

Whoever said, "You can't go home again" was wrong. You can go home, but there is a certain Dorian Gray quality about it.

Nowhere is this more apparent than on the piano in the living room. What was once a viable musical instrument is now merely a resting place for Bar Mitzvah, graduation, wedding and baby pictures. At least Dorian Gray was smart enough to stash his eternally aging portrait in his attic.

On the Greenberg "Piano Gallery", I not only see myself age, but I see pictures of myself being covered up by the newest grandchild on the block. (Thanks a lot, Mom and Dad. I get the hint!)

The other area in my parents' home where I see the grandkids infringing on my former turf is in my room. What was once my sanctum of escape from the trials and tribulations of teen-dom has turned into a Toys-R-Us.

There's a crib in the middle of my room where my bed used to be, and there are stuffed animals everywhere. My Rolling Stones albums have even been replaced by Barney videos.

Is there no justice?

One spot in the old homestead to which I never have a problem returning is the kitchen. Ah, some things never change. After a steady bachelor diet of take-out Chinese and too-fast food, it's nice to visit a well-stocked pantry and a full refrigerator.

It's even nicer that I don't have to tip my mother 15 percent for delivering dinner into the TV room when the Knicks are on.

I suppose that one of these days my parents will leave their Long Island castle and emigrate to Florida. At that time, I'm sure a new family will begin a Piano Gallery of its own, where ours used to be.

When this happens, I have just one request for the very young Jericho-ite who plans to take over my room.

KEEP OUT! IT'S MINE AND YOU CAN'T HAVE IT!

Ah, some things never change.