Over 60...and Getting Younger: July 3, 2009

A Sense of Money

It is possible to know a person and not know that person’s “sense of money.” We do not always readily see where that person grew up and if there was poverty in the home. Later in life, growing up poor may have different consequences.

Legislative Majority Report: June 26, 2009

Shop Locally for Produce and Crafts

We truly live in a wonderful community, filled with so much activity and so many community-minded people, and our Farmers’ Markets are no exception. Each weekend from now until well into the fall, one can find organic, locally grown produce, as well as crafts and gifts whether you visit Bayville, Locust Valley, Glen Cove, or Old Westbury. We are surrounded by local farms, as well as people who make and sell handmade crafts and other sundries, so be sure to visit:

Over 60...and Getting Younger: June 26, 2009

A Memory Exercise

How many of my married readers remember the first meal that your spouse cooked and presented before you? I would guess unless the meal was truly memorable most of you have forgotten the details. Not me! Let me tell you why I have a distinct memory of that supper meal, almost 47 years ago.

Over 60...and Getting Younger: June 19, 2009

Modigliani (1884-1920)

As Lorraine and I walked through the Metropolitan Museum of Art with our 3-year-old grandson Lewis in a stroller, he pointed to the Modigliani and shouted, “Picture in Grandma’s house.” Lewis was right. We have many Modigliani paintings (prints of course) hanging on our walls.

Editorial: Exploring the U.S. Open

The U.S. Open is coming to Bethpage. Great! Oh wait – more traffic, closed roads, a longer commute to work and more people on an already over populated Long Island. Uhhh.

A Bird’s Eye View: June 12, 2009

Alley Pond Park: A Birding ‘Hot Spot’

In the spring Alley Pond Park is a magnet for migrating birds offering them the gift of rest and food on their long journeys north. A few years ago during the spring migration I started to walk it with serious birders who know not just its paths but also its plentiful trails off the beaten path, which are rich with bird life.

Over 60...And Getting Younger: June 12, 2009

Bermuda!

Seven hundred and fifty miles southeast of New York lies the tranquil archipelago of Bermuda. Our huge ship, the Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas landed at the Royal Naval Dockyard, on the western tip of Bermuda. Lorraine and her two sisters and their husbands and I arrived on the 400-year anniversary celebration of Bermuda’s settlement.

Comptroller’s Report: June 5, 2009

Appointment to Council on State Health Insurance Will Make Nassau’s Voice Heard

Healthcare issues have always been at the forefront of my policy initiatives, both as County Comptroller and during the 35 years spent in the healthcare field. Throughout my two terms, I have been a squeaky wheel when it comes to finding ways to trim the escalating costs of Nassau County’s health benefits. Several years ago I persuaded the County Legislature to eliminate the practice of offering two family health benefit policies to one family, to lengthen the number of years of employment required to vest lifetime retiree health benefits and to increase the health benefit buy back amount to encourage employees with other coverage options to drop County health benefits.

Over 60...And Getting Younger: June 5, 2009

The Boat to Bermuda (I)

Last week Lorraine and I (and my two sisters-in-law’s husbands) took a five-day trip cruise to Bermuda. The ship was the Explorer of the Seas. We left from a pier in Bayonne. No one mentioned the hazards of the Bermuda Triangle and we left with light hearts and happy attitudes.

One of the mysteries of the civilized world is the Bermuda Triangle. It extends from Bermuda to Puerto Rico (one leg), Puerto Rico to Florida (second leg) and back to Bermuda (third leg). Several ships and planes were lost and nothing was ever heard from them again.

Over 60... And Getting Younger: May 29, 2009

A Gastronomic Experience

My father told me many years ago, that if I was hungry “just fill your mouth with something.” A candy bar, a slice of pizza, a hot dog, or anything that was handy.

The other day after a 2:30 p.m. appointment with my dentist, Dr. Stuart Kesner, I was ravenous. I looked everywhere for a hot dog vendor as I drove to Manhattan to visit my two grandsons, Lewis and Alexander. As I passed Queens College I saw an aluminum truck on Kissena Boulevard that usually is a traveling frankfurter salesman. I made a quick U-turn and pulled up next to the wagon. Nothing on the cart mentioned hot dogs. There was lamb and rice, chicken and rice with vegetables and some other Middle Eastern foods that were unfamiliar to me. I shouted, “Hot Dogs?” He shook his head, “No!” All the people on line turned to observe me and they looked at me as if I had two heads. I slinked back and withdrew from the scene as quietly as possible. But I was still famished.