WHAT'S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT?

Valentine's Day is a silly commercial holiday that causes all of us guilt if we don't partake in celebrating by purchasing gifts and cards for our loved one. But, Real Love is not about material objects. It is not a second hand emotion. It isn't a passing feeling. Rather, it's a deep pervasive feeling that is ever present. Many components comprise a good loving relationship. Of course, there is the physical: how one looks and how you feel about their appearance. You may consider that shallow, but if you aren't attracted to the person, nothing else can follow. Once you've established an attraction, the rest is a bit more complicated. In order to have a lasting and passionate relationship, there are so many elements that must exist. First and foremost, you must have patience! Everyday isn't a party-sometimes you piss each other off. That's where perserverce and endurance come into play! Eventually, you need to set aside your annoyance. You are going to need to listen to your partner. Really listen-Everyone wants to feel seen and to feel heard. Communication is key. You must be open with each other, have no secrets, be fully transparent, and be willing to show your vulnerability. Don't hold back-it only breeds resentment. In conjunction with Communication, we must respect each other. Do you value your partner's opinions? Do you support each other's independence? Do you acknowledge their boundaries? We must be able to compromise and sacrifice for each other. This is especially important when you don't necessarily agree with their stance about an issue. Then, there's the intellectual attraction-just as important as the physical! Do you like his/her mind? Do they keep you on your toes? Do they challenge you? All-so very important. Additionally, commitment and trust are essential. Can you depend on your partner? Do they have your back? Do you always feel safe with him/her? If all of these pieces fit into place, the fun part follows. Remember to show each other affection, be romantic, perform acts of kindness, show compassion, hold hands, have fun and laugh together. This person should be your best friend as well as your lover. One other important note-Each of us must take care of our own health. In order to be present for your partner, it is essential that we are diligent about our own well being. Your partner will be grateful! Wishing all of you a Happy Valentine's Day! HOW DO I LOVE THEE? LET ME COUNT THE WAYS. I LOVE THEE TO THE DEPTH AND BREADTH AND HEIGHT MY SOUL CAN REACH, WHEN FEELING OUT OF SIGHT FOR THE ENDS OFBEING AND IDEAL GRACE. MOST QUIET NEED, BY SUN AND CANDLE LIGHT. I LOVE THEE FREELY, AS MEN STRIVE FOR RIGHT. I LOVE THEE PURELY, AS THEY TURN FROM PRAISE. I LOVE THEE WITH THE PASSION PUT TO USE IN MY OLD GRIEFS, AND WITH MY CHILDHOOD'S FAITH. I LOVE THEE WITH A LOVE I SEEMED TO LOSE WITH MY LOST SAINTS. I LOVE THEE WITH THE BREATH, SMILES, TEARS, OF ALL MY LIFE; AND, IF GOD CHOOSE, I SHALL BUT LOVE THEE BETTER AFTER DEATH. BY ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING PEACE OUT-ONE B

LITTLE MOMENTS

As I reflect on 2025 and welcome 2026, I am contemplating how to make this a year of hope and positivity. For me, the second half of life has a different feel. Little things seem bigger when life gets smaller. Many of us feel tired and weary. We're stuck in a cycle of stress. To counteract the effects of stress, I have realized that taking note of the unexpected small and simple parts of my own life, which are everywhere, are what contribute to the essence of a meaningful and happy life. Especially in this insane time, we need to recognize, acknowledge, and magnify these small moments. Of course the monumental experiences create lifetime memories. Falling in love, the birth of your children, your wedding day, the graduations of loved ones, getting your dream job, and buying your first house are the major events we appreciate and reflect upon with a smile. These events are intense and forever ingrained in our lives. They too, contribute to our joy. But don't let the little moments slip by unnoticed. Savor their value and practice gratitude. "Enjoy the little things for one day you may look back and realize they were big things. The little things? They aren't little." (Jon Kabat-Zinn) *********************************************************************************** SOME OF MY "LITTLE MOMENTS" Coffee with a friend Getting a compliment from a stranger A walk in the reservation with my husband A heartfelt conversation with a friend Flowers for no reason A piece of good news from a close friend Being pain free, healthy, and strong Fitting into my skinny jeans My girlfriend's contagious laughter Attending any rock concert When a friend makes me laugh First cup of coffee of the morning A hug from my daughter A silly phone conversation with my sister Lunch with my niece/dinner with my nephew An interesting book discussion with my book group A freshly made bed The contentment of making my parents smile(when they were alive) The sunrise and sunset from my bedroom window Hearing my favorite song in the grocery store Any conversation with my sister that isn't about HEALTH! A call from my daughter just to have a chat about nothing Spending time with my grandchildren-it can be a minute, hours, or a day-I can't get enough A conversation with a person that confirms my faith in kindness, compassion, and hope My parents holding hands and discussing their active sex life (when they were alive) Seeing a fabulous movie or show Playing ping pong with my grandsons Canasta with the girls (especially the convos we have) Water that miraculously appears every night on my bedstand A well written book Watching a baseball game at Yankee Stadium My daily phone call with my mom(when she was alive) Discussing my latest watched tv shows with my college bestie A good pour A delicious meal at my favorite restaurant When my husband takes my hand to make sure I don't get hit by a car while crossing the street The first snowfall ***************************************************************************************************************** This Year my only resolution is to focus on the small moments as well as the grand ones. These moments give me hope and joy. I want the world to become a better place for my children and grandchildren. I want to believe in a wonderful future for them that I won't be here to see. WISHING EVERYONE A PEACEFUL, HAPPY AND HEALTHY 2026. PEACE OUT-ONE B

GOODBYE 2025!

Here is my Holiday Recommendation List of what to gift, eat, read, and watch! LOCAL RESTAURANTS Brokedown Palace-95 Mountainview Blvd. Wayne,N.J. Elevated Comfort food. WNB Factory-68 Washington St, Bloomfield, N. J. Five spice levels of wings! Burgers too. Blue Steel Pizza-273 Glenwood Ave. Bloomfield, N.J. Supposedly the Detroit style pizza is Great! The Pasta Shop-13 1st Ave. Denville, N.J. The ziti Norcini is the dish to try. Morris Proper-100 Morris Street, Morristown, N.J. Lovely varied menus for brunch and dinner. There's a bar too! The Saint Clair-32 Church St. Montclair, N.J. Modern American and cocktails. Italiana by Zod-558 Bloomfield Ave. Montclair, N.J.-pastas, pizza, BYO. Serving lunch and dinner. Sam's Table-377 Bloomfield Ave. Montclair, N.J. 4 course tasting menu Thurs-Sun dinner. $85/pp. Cotto-90 South Street, Morristown,N.J. Lunch(coming soon) and Dinner. Fine Italian Cuisine. Aubrey's Corner-527 Morris Ave., Summit, N.J.Classic American food. Lunch and dinner. Jersey Artisan Cafe-14 Burnham Road, Morris Plains, N.J. Serving breakfast and lunch. Also fresh bread, cheeses, soup,salads, and gelato. Campofiore-664 Bloomfield Ave. Montclair, N.J. Farm to table Italian. Just opened. HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS Baker Street Market-96 Baker Street, Maplewood, N.J. great gourmet gifts. Beautiful charcuterie boards made to order.(shout out to Sue who gave me this recommendation) Tavola-93 Center Street, Garwood, N.J. Fabulous Charcuterie boards for every occasion. Order online. They deliver. Coastal Maine Popcorn-Great flavor options: Maine blueberry pancake, chocolate caramel seasalt, loaded baked potato and many more! order online. Fairytale Brownies-my go to gift. Delicious bite size assorted flavors. Order online. Yummy! Licorice.Com-The best licorice. Red and White Aussies are my favorite. Order online. Jonathan Adler Containers-the cutest containers for calories, weed, munchies, xanax! Hilarious and fun. (shout out to Toby for the tip).Arnett MOVIES Eleanor The Great-Now available to stream on Prime. June Squibb is fabulous. A Must. The Baltimorons-Also on Prime. Newly sober man has a dental emergency on Christmas Eve. Adorable. Oh What Fun-Prime. Michelle Pfeiffer and Denis Leary, A mom who does everything for her family is feeling underappreciated on the holiday. Cute. Hamstead-Tubi. In memory of Dianne Keaton, this 2017 movie is worth a watch. I'll miss her. Hamnet-in theaters now. Very good but graphic scenes of births and deaths, which was a bit hard for me to watch. Ella Mckay-34 year old Ella navigates personal relationships while being the governor of the state. Don't go-The Worst. Is This Thing On-Will Arnett and Laura Dern star in this film. Bradley Cooper directed. A couple facing divorce and middle age. 90% on Rotten Tomatoes. Release is tomorrow. Sentimental Value-Two sisters reunite with their estranged father. Supposedly a must! Jay Kelly- Netflix. Starring George Clooney and Adam Sandler. Just mediocre but Sandler and Clooney are great. Clooney is easy on the eyes! Goodbye June-Netflix. Kate Winslet directs this. Helen Mirren stars. A dying mom orchestrates her own way of a farewell. Materialists-HBO MAX. Dakota Johnson stars as a matchmaker who must choose between two men to be her perfect match. Fair. F1 The Movie-Apple. Action movie starring Brad Pitt. How can you go wrong? After The Hunt-Prime. Julia Roberts stars as a college professor whose star student levels and accusation against Robert's colleague. Liked it. Merv-Prime. Zooey Deschanel stars. About a depressed dog after a couple splits up. Very dumb, but if you're a dog lover, have at it. SERIES THAT ARE STREAMING RIGHT NOW.... Malice- Prime. David Duchovny and Jack Whitehall star. Very intriguing thriller. Very good! The Beast in Me-Netflix. Claire Danes and Matthew Rhys. Another thriller worth a watch. I liked Malice more! The Girlfriend-Prime. Starring Robin Wright. A possesive mother jealous of her son's new girlfriend. Another interesting thriller. Liked it. Heated Rivalry-HBO MAX. A gay romance set in the world of ice hockey. Ambition, rivalry, and graphic sex. Be prepared... Wayward-Netflix. Starring Toni Colette. Head of a "theraputic" schhool for troubled teens uses psychological torture. Luckily, there is a good cop who figures out what's going on! Didn't like this. Down Cemetary Road-Apple and Prime. Emma Thompson and Ruth Wilson star in this series. Child goes missing after a house explosion. Interesting. The Better Sister-Prime. Another thriller! Two estranged sisters. A son becomes prime suspect in the murder of the husband of one of the sisters. Very mediocre. The Pitt-HBO Max. Starring Noah Wiley. Excellent medical show. Season 2 will be released on Jan. 8. Emily in Paris-Netflix. Fifth season out today. Love this series. Worth watching. Great clothes! Shrinking-Apple. Stars Harrison Ford and Jason Segel. New season starts Jan. 28th. Fabulous show and superb acting. Chad Powers-Hulu. Glen Powell stars as a former college quarterback who poses as a walk-on player for a struggling team. Silly, but cute. BOOKS WAITING TO BE READ ON MY NIGHTSTAND Mary Jane by Jessica Anya Blau Isola by Allegra Goodman Buckeye by Patrick Ryan The Housemaid by Frieda McFadden Sunday Jews by Hortense Calisher. AND IF YOU'VE BEEN NICE... Monica Rich Kosann-blue enamel vermeil cushion locket with blue sapphire. $795. Alexis Bittar-Asterales Gold Riviera Necklace. $395. Roberto Coin-18K and diamond heart charm. $2280. Walter Faith-18K mini origami stud earrings. $820. Pomellato- Iconica Slim ring $2500 or Iconica medium large ring $3450 or Iconica Large ring $4150. Bloomingdales-14K domed flex collar necklace. On sale $1237.50 (note it's 18 inches which can be big for petite ladies). Jennifer Miller-Diamond and Opal Flower Earrings. $1070. Dior-Rose Des Vents Necklace. $2500 WISHING EVERYONE A YEAR FILLED WITH HAPPINESS, HEALTH, AND PEACE. TURN OFF THE NEWS. FOCUS ON YOUR BLESSINGS. FOCUS ON YOUR FAMILY; AND ON YOUR FRIENDS, THAT YOU LOVE, AND WHO BRING YOU JOY. PEACE OUT-ONE B

TODAY YOU ARE A MAN-MAZEL TOV, MAX!

In less than two weeks, I will have the honor and pleasure of witnessing my grandson become a Bar Mitzvah. Recently, I looked back at the blog I wrote when Max was born. He was my first grandchild, and I was elated at becoming a grandma! In that (former) blog, I expressed how perfect Max was in every way. I marveled at what a blessing and miracle this newborn was. Thirteen years (and 3 months) later, I am still awed at this amazing human. I love this boy (almost man) unconditionally, as I do all of my five grandchildren. In that blog, I also promised that he could come to me for any reason; at any time, day or night. As he matured, I expressed my hope that he would learn to respect others and treat everyone with kindness. No matter their race, religion, political preference or gender everyone was to be valued. I stressed that a man should treat all women as their equal, and at the same time always be a gentleman. Well, these thirteen years have gone by in a flash! I am thrilled to report with enormous pride and joy that Max has far surpassed my expectations. Not only is he an amazing son and grandson; he is also a fabulous big brother, cousin, nephew, and friend. He exhibits respect, intelligence, a sense of humor, empathy and compassion, a humbleness, and self confidence. He has become a fabulous role model for his younger siblings and to his friends. Max shows a curiousity for knowledge and is open to listening to others opinions. Max constantly strives to better himself, and is open to learning from his mistakes. He always acts with integrity and faces challenges with resilence. These qualities are the TRUE definition of what a man is. Max, I hope you know how lucky you are to be surrounded by so many incredible people who love and support you. I want you to always feel the love and pride we all feel towards you. It has been an absolute joy to watch you become the extraordinary young man you are today. Your life journey is just starting, and I can't wait to witness all the wonderful things you will accomplish. Sending you Congratulations at this very exciting time in your life! I love you more than words could ever express, Nonni "Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined." Henry David Thoreau "You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose." Dr. Seuss "It ain't abput how hard you can get hit, but how hard you can get hit and still keep moving forward." Rocky (Balboa)

PROMISES, PROMISES

...Promises-you knew Trump would never keep. What have you actually gotten since he became President? Trump promised he would get tough on immigration. He kept that promise. Yes, he got tough. He has, in fact, cracked down on illegal immigration. Yes, it is the most secure border in recent history. Illegal entries are down by 95%. However, there have been 139,000 deportations without due process. This is not the constitutional way to control illegal immigration. I can't make sense of randomly picking immigrants (many who are here legally) and pulling them from their jobs and families and sending them to prison. And yet, he still condones January 6th? How can you pardon over 1800 people who attacked the police and the Capitol? How do we allow all of this? Trump promised to end the Israeli War and the Ukraine War on Day one of his Presidency. Neither war has ended. Hostages are still in captivity. For those of you who think he is good for Israel, please explain. In Israel, Netanyahu is disliked and Trump backs Netanyahu. Trump is more interested in taking credit for the truce earlier this year than helping end the war and getting the hostages returned. Netanyahu was asleep at the switch-he should've take responsibility for the events of Oct. 7 and resigned. There are still 59 hostages in captivity in the Gaza Strip-what is being done to get these hostages back? Are they even alive? Remember Trump's promise that "he was the only one capable of ending the war in Gaza"? As far as the Ukraine War, Trump has been despicable and horrible to Zelinsky and his country. Trump, once again, is only interested in what benefits him. In this case, he wavers between supporting Putin and Zelinksky. Trump recently forced Zelinsky to sign an agreement that covered minerals, oil, gas, and other natural resources and still does not provide security guarantees for Ukraine. Repayment to the U.S. was his objective of this deal. As recently as May 2, a Russian drone attack On Karkiv injured over 40 people. The war is not over and Trump has not kept this promise. Musk promised to cut 2 trillion from the Federal Budget. He's actually cut 150 billion. He has slashed the federal work force, university grants and research, and shut down agencies. Meanwhile, Trump has made over 7 golfing visits to Mar-a-Lago. Here he (over)charges the U.S. government to house his secret service and the White House Staff. He has supposedly spent $100,000,000 for 39 rounds in his first 100 days (see the cover of The New Yorker). Additionally, the Florida Sheriff spends $240,000/day to help protect Trump while he is in Florida. So far, the Trump administration has spent more than 6% as the Biden administration during the same period of time. That increase doesn't include added costs of required payments to 225,000 ousted federal workers. Presently,We have a shortage of social security workers, IRS workers, air traffic controllers, FDA workers, and the list goes on. Trump has promised an energy emergency and a drop in Utility bills-that has not happened. Trump has promised to lower the cost of living but tariffs on foreign goods will increase our prices. Trump has pledged to eliminate taxes on Tips, Overtime, and Social Security Payments. None of this happened. Trump promises to fight Antisemitism in our country. His strategy is to punish Universities by cutting billions of federal dollars to combat antisemitism. However, he is hurting innocent foreign students by ending their legal status to attend these schools. He is banishing curriculum in colleges that he doesn't think portray American values. He has eliminated funding for pediatric cancer research, and for tuberculosis research. At Harvard, he has frozen more than 2 billion in grants and contracts. How does eliminating DEI, research funding, curriculum, and talented foreign students from a university banish Antisemitism? This hurts ALL students-Jewish students too! Europe is attracting the spurned talent and hoping to surpass America in science and medical research. International sudents and faculty have seen their visas revoked. The NY Times writes today that "the continent's leaders are hoping to benefit as the Trump administration cuts support for research and threatens universities with the freezing of federal funds." So, how do we deal with Antisemitism? We educate people. The news reports that recently an antisemitic incident happened at David Portnoy's Barstool in Philadelphia. Customers held a sign that said F--- the Jews. The owner, Portnoy, was distraught and wanted to punish these kids. But, instead, he decided to make it a teaching moment and to pay for them to tour Aushwitz. (FYI-the servers who allowed the sign were fired and one of the kids was suspended from Temple University). "NOBODY COULD IMAGINE A FEW YEARS AGO THAT ONE OF THE GREAT DEMOCRACIES OF THE WORLD WOULD ELIMINATE RESEARCH PROGRAMS ON THE PRETEXT THAT THE WORD 'DIVERSITY' APPEARED IN ITS PROGRAM" (President Macron). Trump promised to instill tariffs. He did keep that promise. And, because of tariffs, the stock market has been volatile. In fact, it's the most volatile period for the market since the pandemic. The index at the heart of many 401k accounts is more than 7% below its all time high due to the uncertainty of a recession. Now, Trump has threatened a 100% tariff on foreign made films! The result is that cars, tires, toys, clothing, electronics, construction, groceries, and movies will all be more expensive. Shipments from China have basically ceased. Truckers and dock workers no longer will work overtime. Less containers shipped, less employment needed.....Importers are not sending goods to the U.S. Where is the Congress? This shouldn't be a Republican/Democrat issue. Politics aside-how does one person destroy global economics and get away with it??? We seem to be going BACKWARDS. Books are banned, subjects in schools are banned, transgender and gay lifestyles are being banned, foreign films are banned, abortion is banned, vaccines are discouraged....what's next? Oh, and Trump just screwed the 911 Health program staffers-they are fired. The Republicans were behind this program and fully backed the World Trade Center Program. Now, we aren't taking care of the 911 heroes. Can you believe Republicans are not speaking up? Oh, I forgot to mention that funding for PBS and NPR was also taken away. We're becoming a country of morons. Forty years of free trade down the tubes. Our world is becoming like the society in The Handmaid's Tale. How is it possible that we are being told what we can and can't read, who we can and can't have sex with, which movies we can see, what birth control we can and cannot use, which vaccines will be available to us or our children? I feel sorry for my children and grandchildren. They will not have the freedoms that I grew up with. God help us all. WISHING YOU A HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY! IT'S THE BEST JOY AND JOB EVER (EXCEPT MAYBE BEING A GRANDPARENT!) PEACE OUT-ONE B

JUNE'S BOONS

With the excessive rain, the onset of summer reruns, and the lack of movies in theaters; we are all looking for activities to fill our time. Hopefully, the sun will reappear soon for the many children who are attending camp; and for the adults yearning to play golf, pickleball, and tennis while the kids are away! Where can we eat on a rainy night if we just can't bear to cook? AMERIGO-408 Springfield Ave. Berkeley Heights. BYOB. Owned by Fiorino in Summit. Italian. BLACKBULL STEAKHOUSE-632 Meyersville Road. Gilette. Great Menu-many options besides steak. EATALY-1200 Morris Tpke. Short Hills. Limited menu of pizza, pasta, and salad. Cocktails. Better for lunch (in my opinion) GABAGOOL-430 Springfield Ave. Berkeley Heights. A Deli with great sandwiches and desserts. Only open until 4 pm. Go for lunch! HARTLEY'S-17 Greenwood Ave. Madison. Upscale Continental Menu with a pretty bar! And if you don't want to stay for dinner, there is also a bar menu with snacks to go with your cocktails! HOBBY'S DELI-32 Branford Place. Newark. I'm dying to go here for their famous pastrami sandwich! KRUG'S TAVERN-118 Wilson Ave. Newark. Been around since 1932. Voted best burger in NJ! I don't eat burgers, but I need to try a bite! MM by MORIMOTO-193 Glenridge Ave. Montclair. The Iron Chef launches a new restaurant in mid July. OSTERIA LK-180 Maplewood Ave. BYOB. No reservations. Supposedly, very good. I'll never know, because I won't wait an hour on the street to be seated! RP PRIME-41-11 Rte. 4, Fairlawn. An offshoot of River Palm restaurants. TOCO VEZ-95 Morristown Rd. Basking Ridge. A Mexican inspired steakhouse. Tequila, tacos, or steak. WOLFGANG'S-119 W. Main Street. Somerville. An offshoot of the NYC locations. Lots of steak options and sides. Looking for a new show or movie to stream during the summer months? COUPLES THERAPY-Hulu. A new season of this documentary series seeking help to improve their troubled relationships. HACKS-MAX. Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder are superb. Look for Helen Hunt! THE SHOW IS FABULOUS! THE HANDMAID'S TALE-Hulu. Based on Margaret Atwood's novel. It's so good and the finale is amazing. Elizabeth Moss rocks. MOBLAND-Showtime. If you liked The Sopranos, you will love this. Stellar cast-Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, and Tom Hardy. Soooo good!! YOUR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS-Apple. Jon Hamm, Olivia Munn, and Amanda Peet are the draw. The story is just ok... SIRENS-Netflix. Julianne Moore, Meghan Fahy, and Kevin Bacon star in this dark comedy taking place in the Hamptons. PERNILLE-Netflix. A Norwegian dramedy about a single mother with two teenagers. I enjoyed this series so much! Rather hit a Broadway matinee on a rainy afternoon? Call Me Izzy- Death Becomes Her Maybe Happy Ending The Picture of Dorian Gray Purpose All of the above have gotten rave reviews! What should we be reading next? On my nightstand right now. AUDITION by Katie Kitamura HEADSHOT by Rita Bullwinkel MATYR by Kaveh Akbar MY FRIENDS by Fredrik Backman OVER THERE by Jane Loeb Rubin *About to be released and she will be speaking at Mountain Ridge Country Club on June 10 The products you may want to order this month or covet (if they cost too much)... Sneex-the high heeled sneaker adored by Kathy Bates. $395. I pretty much live in sneakers or Clarks shoes these day. My feet always hurt. My toes are knarled. This may allow me to wear a heel occasionally! Mooncat Nailpolish-$16.00. Wearable art! Irridescent looks that are super cool. Penzeys Spices-a great gift idea. Fabulous spices and gift boxes. Even more exciting, is their political statement! Check out their site-it's impressive. Coney Island Everything Bagel Topping-I get the salt free, since I watch sodium intake. I sprinkle it on everything! fish, veggies, eggs. (Amazon) Green Roads CBD Muscle and Joint Roll On Cool Relief-Forgot Voltaren! Try this on your aches and pains. Jones Road Miracle Balms-I use Dusty Rose first and then swip on some Happy Hour as a highlighter. No foundation needed. First, use a moisturizer with SPF. Then apply the balm in the color you choose. Nice Laundry-Personalized men's socks. A great Father's Day Gift. And there are so many prints and colors. Boochier Jewelry-very pricey. I'm liking the yellow gold diamond slinky ring ($7,140) or bracelet ($33,980)! Here's hoping for a Sunny, warm June! PEACE OUT-ONE B

"NEVER LOVE ANYONE WHO TREATS YOU LIKE YOU'RE ORDINARY" Oscar Wilde

This week I have the joy of celebrating my 48th year of marriage, and almost 51 years of knowing my husband. The other day I caught a conversation on television between a daughter and her mother. The daughter was wondering how someone really knows if their boyfriend or girlfriend is actually the "right one" with whom they want to spend the their life with. The mom's response was, "it's easy-you DON'T wonder. My husband knew the exact moment he wanted to marry me. I leaned over to unlock the driver side door for him (in the dark ages, there weren't electric locks!). In the movie The Bronx Tale(1993) which was made almost 20 years after I unlocked his door, the same scene was depicted in the movie. For me, there wasn't an exact moment. Rather, I just knew (for a multitude of reasons) that he was the person I wanted to spend my life with. Even with the knowledge of his difficult mother (in-law to be), it didn't matter. I wasn't going anywhere. I could and would endure any obstacle to be with him. Not a day has gone by in 48 years when my husband doesn't ask me how my day was, and wants a synopsis even if it's the most mundane day of typical chores. Not an evening goes by where he doesn't bring a bottle of water to my nighttable before we go to sleep. When our daughters were little, he would always help bathe them and put them to bed. He never missed a choral concert, a baseball game, or a tennis match; even if that meant he would work until midnight after those outings. Both of us value family above all else. Our parents (since deceased), our daughters and sons-in-laws, our grandchildren, our siblings, and our nieces and nephews are what give us infinite joy and happiness. We hope the love and respect we show to each other reflects on them and illustrates how special they are to us, and hopefully, how special we are to them. Anyone who has the honor of knowing Jud sees his calm, kind, sweet, rational personality. He keeps me in check (or tries)! When my emotions get the better of me and I'm ready to jump off the deep end, he keeps me afloat. And when he is having a meltdown (which is rare and usually work related) I hold him up. After 48 years, I am even more cetain each day that this man was, and is, the right one. Life would be unimaginable without him by my side. Now, as we age, he clears his work schedule to attend any important doctor appointments I have so that he can listen and advocate for me. And, then, assure me after the appointment, that everything is fine! And I, too, do the same for him. Now that we don't attend our daughter's games any longer, he now attends the grandkids soccer, lacrosse, softball, baseball, and tennis lessons and matches, with the same enthusiasm and gusto he did for our daughters. My parents had an amazing marriage. They adored one another and showed their love to the world (sometimes ad nauseam)! I always hoped I would find that type of love in my life. Guess what? I did! "Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other." (Dalai Lama) "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." (Maya Angelo). Jud, you continue to make me feel loved every minute of every day. HAPPY 48TH ANNIVERSARY-I adore you. "AND IN THE END THE LOVE YOU TAKE IS EQUAL TO LOVE YOU MAKE" Paul McCartney PEACE OUT-ONE B