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

ANXIETY AND AILMENTS AS WE AGE

It seems more and more these days that the subject matter discussed by my contemporaries revolves around our current ailments or the anxiety about our loved ones health. While I still think of myself as someone in her twenties, my body begs to differ. This past Spring and Summer have been especially challenging for this aging body. While on a vacation to California, I was experiencing a high level of anxiety due to chest discomfort. As soon as I returned home, I went through a multitude of cardiac testing and basically, my Cardiologist told me that everything was quite normal "for my age." I was prescribed a very low dose of a beta blocker and magically, I have been feeling fine! Next, my feet which have been an issue for years (due to 20 years of donning high heels every day), have lately prevent me from walking my daily three miles. I have resorted to the gym and avoid the treadmill at all costs. After weekly visits to podiatrists where they shave calluses, tape toes, suggest surgery without guaranteeing it will fix the issue of gnarled arthritic toes; I am still at a loss. I continue on my quest to find someone who doesn't want to cut me and will have an innovative idea to help relieve the pain. And, then, out of no where I started experiencing a nagging and persistent bladder issue (TMI). This affliction has rendered my summer exhausting and frustrating. Once again, I was told by my internist, a urologist, and my ob-gyn that this is a common "age related" issue!! I am so tired of using that term as the catch all phrase to describe what's ailing me. None of these physicians agreed on the antibiotics(a total of 3), the remedy for the pain, or the prevention of further issues. Oh, and I can't forget my bone on bone right knee which needs a partial replacement or a total replacement, depending on which Dr. you consult. Truthfully, this is the least of my issues. I have delayed surgery with gel shots and they are helpful. Ultimately, I will do this surgery but presently, it does not affect my daily quality of living. So, that situation will wait a bit longer before a resolution. What I have come to realize is that Medicine is NOT an exact science. You must have confidence in your doctors and make sure they have your best interest at heart. If they are not really listening to you, they will give you a generic cure and not one that addresses your personal issue. Seek second and third opinions (you may have to wait 6 months to see the doctor that has been recommended as "the best"). It is rare to have two doctors concur on treatment and cure. Be persistent. Beg and call regularly for a cancellation. If your have a contact that can help you to be seen, use them! Finally, have an advocate-no matter what your age is! In the meantime, you all know me well enough to know my distractions from all this ridiculous nonsense. I spend exorbitant amounts of downtime watching movies, tv series, and reading books or listening to podcasts. Without commenting on all of them, I will provide you with my lists. BOOKS Headshot by Rita Bullwinkle My Friends by Fredrik Backman Dreamcount by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie The Names by Florence Knapp On my nightstand for next read: The River is Waiting by Wally Lamb The Emperor of Gladness by Ocean Vuong Bridge of Sighs by Richard Russo MOVIES Happy Gilmore 2 (silly) My Oxford Year (sad) My Old Ass (cute) Nonna's (sweet) Fly Me to the Moon (entertaining) Superman (worth the trip to the theater) The Materialists (just ok but kept my attention) Naked Gun (want to see) TELEVISION Hunting Wives Netflix Untamed Netflix Stick Apple The Bear HBO Max Sirens Netflix The Better Sister Amazon Prime Mobland Paramont + Your Friends and Neighbors Apple TV Billy Joel Documentary HBO Max Billionaires Club CNN Live Aid Documentary CNN Jane Mansfield Documentary (My Mom Jane) HBO Max The Buccaneers Apple TV The Summer I turned Pretty Amazon Prime Too Much Netflix The Gilded Age HBO Pernille Netflix PODCASTS Smartless-always great interviews. The World's First Podcast with Erin and Sara Foster Good Hang with Amy Poehler Finally, Listen to any podcast that features Rabbi Steve Leder! He is the senior Rabbi Of Wilshire Boulevard Temple in Los Angeles. He is a brilliant and insightful speaker. He is uplifting and a pleasure to listen to. I am not religious, and I love this man! Google him in your podcast app-you'll thank me. Wishing you a Healthy and a Happy end of Summer. Listen to your body. Exercise Regularly. And take care of yourselves and your families. "You can have 1000 problems in your life until you have a health problem. Then you only have one. George Passas "Age wrinkles the body. Quitting wrinkles the Soul." Douglas MacArthur "My physical body may be less efficient and less beautiful in old age. But God has given me an enormous compensation: my mind is richer my soul is broader and my wisdom is at a peak." Robert Muller PEACE OUT-ONE B

What's Your Pet Peeve

It's been a while since I've written. A foot sprain, some travel, PT for tennis elbow (I don't even play tennis!) and generally, life just keeping me busy. But, I've thought a lot lately about things that irk me. I'm sure you're not shocked to know I have many pet peeves! What exactly is the definition of a Pet Peeve? The dictionary defines a pet peeve as "something that a person finds especially annoying." After dealing with Doctors' offices, Insurance claims, travel in airports and 5 star hotels, buying a new phone-there are so many issues to discuss that irritate me. So here is my current list-Who knows? Tomorrow I might have ten more to complain about! 1) People picking their nose-ESPECIALLY in the car! Do they realize we can see through their windows? 2) Peeing on the toilet seat and not cleaning up after yourself. This goes for both women and men. 3) Not putting the toilet seat down after you pee. This is especially vexing in an airplane, a restaurant, and in hospital restrooms! Every man should be courteous in their own home as well. Totally unacceptable to not place the seat down after urinating. 4) Using your phone during a meal when your socializing with others. No reading, No texting, No calling! (Ok to google a unanimous question though!) I find it so rude when friends/family are paying more attention to their phone than to the company at the table. Shameful. 5) When calling your health insurance company to find out a benefit, a billing charge, or just ask a question-and getting 3 completely different answers to your question. AND, getting people in different countries, or who are working from home with dogs barking in the background. So Frustrating. 6) Calling your doctor's office and getting a call center who won't give you an appointment for 3-6 months. I want to talk directly to my doctor's office. There MUST be a number to push to be connected directly to the office. 7) Calling Customer Service and not getting a Human! Instead, there are prompts to go to a website or write an email complaint. Totally unacceptable. What is the point of having a customer service number if no one answers your call? 8) Going to a 5 star restaurant or hotel and they act like they're doing you a favor by helping you or letting you be there. 9) Loud chewers 10) Close talkers-don't get in my face! 11) Interrupters 12) Slow drivers in the left lane 13) Talking during the movies; having your phone out and lit up in the movies; texting during the movies. 14) Car Salesmen-Especially those who don't think a woman is capable of making a deal. And, not giving the best price right up front. If you want to make a deal with me, give me the best price first. Otherwise, I'm out of there and on to the next dealer. 15) The person next to you on the plane that uses both armrests, takes their shoes off, or snores. 16) Talking on the phone in public-i.e. walking on the track or in the park, shopping in the grocery store, and in a retail store. 17) Bad Tippers 18) a President who has the vocabulary of a fourth grader. Repetition of adverbs and adjectives cover his lack of knowledge. If I hear "really great", "very importantly", "huge", "millions and billions", "biggest ever", "tremendously" and "very nasty" one more time you'll need to peel me off the ceiling. My grandchildren have impressive verbal abilities that far exceed the President's (and they are 5,6,7,10, and 12!. He tries to cover up the fact that he has nothing intelligent to say. 19) Technology-I hate the Apple phone updates, the never ending texts and emails confirming appointments and taking surveys, emails that suddenly disappear, hulu asking me to sign in suddenly, the calendar that switches the time as I'm inserting the appointment... 20) People who don't wash their hands after going to the bathroom 21) Chronic lateness-why is your time more valuable than mine? It shows a lack of respect. 22) Doctors who make you wait in the waiting room for 40-60 minutes. Then,when you are finally called into an examining room you have to wait another 30 minutes until your physician enters the room. So annoying!! By then my blood pressure is through the roof and they wonder why!! Now that I've got all of you pondering your pet peeves, I'll say goodbye! PEACE OUT-ONE B For those who celebrate Easter - Enjoy the holiday! For those who celebrate Passover-Wishing you a Zissen Pesach!

The Unspoken Rules of a Successful Relationship

As we approach Valentine's Day, I've been thinking about what makes a relationship work. Whether you are dating, engaged, married, or living together it takes a lot of effort to have a continuous loving bond. Many factors contribute to a long lasting alliance. First and foremost, you must communicate clearly, and really listen to what your partner is expressing. Do NOT deny or defend your behavior. Try to understand that if your partner is upset or sad about something, it is valid. PERIOD. Even if you don't think you committed an egregious act, listen to what the other person is expressing. And remember, that Yelling does not make your spouse or significant other hear you better. Have a calm discussion and try to compromise with one another and resolve the issues. FORGIVE and RESPECT one another; and value each other's input. ALWAYS APOLOGIZE-YOU ARE ALWAYS WRONG! Never say something you cannot take back or that you will regret. Your partner(spouse, fiance)will remember that comment forever. It will come back to haunt you in every argument; and it will come between you again and again. Everyone disagrees sometimes, but no matter how heated things get, NEVER call each other names. That's just basic respect. Be transparent at all times. Discussions about medical issues, money issues, work issues, friend issues, and children issues are necessary and should not be held back. Trust is crucial in a relationship and it is almost impossible to repair once its broken. If you love someone, you should not hold back any information. That is the worst way to approach a problem. No one wants to be shielded or protected from the truth. Rather, they want to help find a solution to the problem (which involves both of you). We need to ask, "how can I help?" Tell each other what you need, and don't assume the other person automatically knows what is needed. Don't take your children's side in front of them. If you disagree with your spouse or partner-do it privately. In other words, have a united front in front of the kids, and have an independent discussion later. Never put down your spouse in front of anyone: (friends/family). And, ESPECIALLY not to your parents. You may think it's okay to vent or it's funny, but it is not. And most importantly, if you are the one doing the listening-do not comment! Tomorrow the couple will be totally fine, and now they're pissed at you. Don't criticize your significant others parents, siblings, relatives-unless they initiate. And even then, they'll end up resenting your criticism at a later date. Try to remain silent-it's super hard.... Don't believe your spouse or partner when they say they need nothing or don't want a present. It doesn't have to be a big deal. The smallest gesture is appreciated (however, not a blender, toaster, or socks!). How about a love letter? Find a way to split chores. If one cooks, the other can do the dishes. If one does the laundry, the other can fold it. If one grocery shops, the other can unpack the groceries. Easy Peasy. Don't try to change each others basic character traits. You knew about them when you fell in love. In fact, those characteristics might have been the impetus for your initial attraction. Don't try to change your significant other. Let them SHINE! Couples should share values, morals, goals, and fun. Pursue your common interests. Travel, sports, music, literature, food, theater, current events, cards, movies.. Make time for each other as a couple to enjoy those interests-it's so important to take this time and enjoy one another. We never know what tomorrow brings. However, it is of utmost importance to plan for personal time as well. It is necessary to have independent hobbies and the freedom to do them without pressure or guilt from your partner. Physical Connection-Kiss, hold hands, dance, cuddle, touch, have sex-no one is ever too old and it's so crucial to have that physical bond. Whether you have been together for 48 years or for 3 years, honesty and empathy go a long way. Every couple is different and what worked for your great grandparents or your best friend may be the total opposite of what works for you and your significant other. Each long term relationship has its own secrets and love language. And, YES, Sometimes you will drive your partner crazy. But remember to have love, gratitude, compassion, laughs, fun, and sex. If you don't continually nurture those, you can't maintain a healthy and happy love connection. WISHING EVERYONE A HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY! PEACE OUT-ONE B

GOLDEN GLOBES; MOVIES I NEED TO SEE; AND YOU'VE GOT TO HAVE FRIENDS

BEST DRESSED 1) Anna Sawai-Winner of Shogun. Her leather Dior Bustier and Skirt were exquisite. Her hair and skin were perfection. And that Cartier necklace was beyond. Understated elegance. 2) Salma Hayek- The burgundy Gucci dress with a sequinned bodice and assymetrical train looked magnificent on her. I LOVED Lorrine Schwartz 300 carat emerald necklace. The contrast of colors complemented each other so well. I'm not a matchy matchy jewelry person. She should've eliminated the emerald cocktail ring and the emerald earrings and the green eyeshadow. That said, she still looked stunning. 3) Anya-Taylor Joy-Her vintage Dior gown combined with her hair and skin looked amazing. The Tiffany neckace with 64 carats of opals took my breath away. That necklace was EVERYTHING! I couldn't take my eyes off of her. Again, ditch the matching bracelet. Not necessary. 4) Demi Moore-Donning an Armani Prive metallic silk gown, she was one of my favorites. Her hair looked great; her body looked great; and the earrings and bracelet were lovely. 5) Zendaya-I always like her fashion choices. Her burnt orange Louis Vuitton gown paired with the 31 carat Bulgari paraiba and diamond necklace did not disappoint. She evoked Old Hollywood glamour. 6) Viola Davis-I can't leave her out. The recycled v-neck black sequinned Gucci gown was great. The striped multi-color cape looked fabulous. And, that hair was the finishing touch. I wish I could've partied with her at Studio 54! WORST DRESSED-OH, SO MANY... 1) Naomi Watts-From the neck up, she looked pretty. The Schiaperelli dress, however, was a total miss! A horrendous pink hem-ugh. 2) Nicole Kidman-Many will disagree, but her total look fell short. She is usually a best dressed pick for me. I didn't dig the Balenciaga gown, or her hair style, or her weird face work, or her Boucheron earrings. 3) Angelina Jolie-She consistently is the worst dressed. She needs a new stylist. The silver metallic Mcqueen gown missed the mark. BORING! 4) Cate Blanchett-The gold LV gown was unflattering and ill fitted. Enough said. 5) Selena Gomez- You can't argue that she looked classy and elegant in her ice blue Prada gown. But, I thought the off the shoulder Cinderella gown paired with her hair was very Jackie O and I wanted her to look more youthful and less matronly. 6) Dakota and Elle Fanning-Dolce and Gabbana red gown with a slit; Balmain champagne gown with a cheetah bodice: They looked like "ladies of the night". 7) Emma Stone-The haircut was ok. The dress was ok. Together nothing worked. Hated the look. JEWELRY WORTH A SECOND LOOK 1) Sarah Paulson-Wearing the Debeer diamond "Individuality" necklace which gave zebra vibes with black lacquer and 41 carats of diamonds. Normally, this wouldn't be my taste, but I thought it was cool. 2) Sofia Vergara-Generally, I dislike her dresses at all awards shows. However, her jewels were off the charts. She wore a 140 Carat diamond necklace with a 28 carat center marquis stone. The rings weren't too shabby-a 25 carat diamond on one hand and a 7 carat on the other hand. Be still my heart! MOVIES I NEED TO SEE (AFTER THIS AWARD SHOW) 1) LEE 2) CONCLAVE 3) ANORA 4) I'M STILL HERE (not the one with Joaquin Phoenix. The one with Fernanda Torres) 5) A DIFFERENT MAN 6) HERETIC 7) THE APPRENTICE 8) THE BRUTALIST 9) THE ROOM NEXT DOOR FRIENDS (an op-ed, sort of...) Throughout my early years and young adulthood I generally preferred hanging out with my guy friends. I wasn't a girl's girl. I didn't enjoy doing "girly" things. The guys kept it fun, easy, and simple. Sports and politics were the primary topics. Stick ball and kick the can on the street until late into the night was what I liked. With girls, there was often drama, some pettiness, and unnecessary gossip or mean behavior. As I got older, I had both girl and guy friends and I loved being with all types of people: the jocks, the hippies, and the intellectuals. I still didn't find talking about boys, fashion, hair, nails very exciting. (Okay, don't shame me! Above I've written an entire blog on fashion and jewelry and hair!!) But, things change. Life happens. Work happens. Marriage and kids happen. And as I've aged, I've come to recognize and value the worth of girlfriends. I truly cherish the times I spend with my girlfriends. (I'm still not a lady who likes to lunch or get a massage or have a spa day). With my friends I feel seen and heard. We can talk about everything. For example, sitting around a canasta table we jump from topic to topic: Children, Siblings, Books, Restaurants, Movies, Broadway Shows, Husbands, Pillow selections, Politics...I could go on forever. Nothing is off limits. With my friends, I can vent, cry, laugh, and confide my innermost secrets. The truth is that I, often, feel more at ease and less judged expressing my fears and (current) anxieties to friends rather than a family member. Rather than "poo poo" me, they listen, empathize, show compassion, and voice their opinions. My girlfriends provide me with their morals, intelligence, common sense, and humor. I don't want to keep it simple anymore. I want to go deep sometimes. I surround myself with people I care about and who care about me. And yes, these days I also enjoy talking about makeup, fashion, and jewelry! But, you already knew that! "FOR GOOD TIMES AND BAD TIMES I'LL BE ON YOUR SIDE FOREVER MORE THAT'S WHAT FRIENDS ARE FOR" To the people in California-I feel for all of you. My thoughts and prayers are with you every minute. PEACE OUT-ONE B

MUSINGS AND AMUSEMENTS TO WELCOME 2025

Recently, my husband and I took a river cruise on the Rhine to visit the Christmas Markets. Some of my girlfriends asked if I actually meant to go on a Christmas Market cruise. The answer is a definitive YES. The markets and cities were magical, and this was a bucket list trip for me after watching so many (Hallmark) Christmas movies over the years and drooling over the exquisite markets. They did not disappoint! So, I have a few observations and musings regarding the cruise, the cities, the people, and most important, the local food at the markets. Here goes: MUSINGS 1) Cobblestone is incredibly tough to walk on when it's dry; forget how hard it is to negotiate when wet on rainy days! (it rained many days). 2) One should always bring a flashlight when traveling. Germany, France, and Switzerland get dark very early and with few street lights, it helps to carry a light, in addition to your phone flashlight. 3) Grafitti is EVERYWHERE. Especially in Cologne and Heidelberg, but throughout all of Germany, It is considered an art form and not painted over, as in our country. Often, (in my opinion) it detracts from the natural beauty of the buildings and parks, but generally, it is admired and welcomed. 4) It's great to have a pension! I had the opportunity to meet retired people with pensions who were cruising with us. There were teachers, principals, professors, administrators of colleges, judges, former CIA, federal government employees, etc. and these people were living the life! They had generous pensions, social security benefits, and all the time in the world to travel. 5) Much of the gift offerings at the markets are similar-if you've seen one, you've seen them all. Veer off and explore the cities-Cologne, Heidelberg, Amsterdam, Rudesheim, and Lucerne are beyond beautiful. So much to see, and do, and buy. 6) Man, do Germans love their Wurst! It is a staple in German Cuisine. It is eaten in the morning, afternoon and evening! There is bratwurst, knackwurst, leberwurst, currywurst, kohlwurst, etc. I could go on forever-there are 1500 varieties. They also love their beer and mulled wine to accompany the wurst. Every Christmas Market serves Wurst, beers, and mulled wines. 7) Every market we went to we indulged in the local food-all of it was delicious. My favorites: a)German Christmas Market Mushrooms(Champignons)in garlic sauce: ooh la la-deliciousness. b)Kartoffelpuffer-I love to say the word! It is an enormous potato latke fried from scratch and served with either applesauce or a garlic sourcream. This seems to be the most popular offering at the markets-the lines are long and for good reason. It doesn't disappoint. YUM. c)Flamkuchen-German skinni(est) flatbread pizza with onion, bacon, and cheese. The crispiest cracker-like crust can be done a zillion ways-if you don't want meat, order it with vegetables and cheese. Wonderful with a glass of crisp cold German wine. So incredibly fabulous. d)Fondue-They serve their fondue with potatoes and bread for the dipping. Just paste 20 lbs. to my hips. I literally wished I had a spoon to eat the fondue directly from the pot. Nothing beat sitting outside by the river with fur blankets looking at the twinkling lights of Lucerne and enjoying this local dish. You're on vacation. Live a little. Eat their wonderful cheeses, amazing chocolates, and fabulous wines. It's so worth it! AMUSEMENTS 1) The Split-two part wedding special. Dec 29. It should be coming to Hulu. The first three seasons are on Hulu now. A family of female divorce lawyers. Very Good. 2) The Agency-An undercover CIA is forced to abandon his secret life and return to London where the love of his life reappears. Michael Fassbender and Richard Gere-so easy on the eyes. But, I don't know WTF is happening. Hard to follow. HBO 3) Shrinking-All star cast with Jason Segel and Harrison Ford about a group of shrinks and their lives. Funny, touching, fabulous.... Apple TV. 4) Bad Sisters-A dark comedy about sisters being investigated for the death of their brother-in-law. Bingeworthy and enjoyable. Apple TV 5) Yellowstone-Season 5 just finished. Such a great series. You can't take your eyes off Beth and Rip. Who needs Costner? Rumor is there will be a spin off with Beth and Rip. Love this show. Paramount+. 6) Virgin River-Season 6 just ended. It's a sappy, soap opera type show, which I admit, I have indulged in every season. Mindless and sweet. Easy viewing. Netflix. 7) The Sticky-Jamie Lee Curtis and Margo Martin star in this series about a syrup farmer. Holds no interest for me. Prime. 8) No Good Deed-Ray Romano and Lisa Kudrow. Three families competed to buy the same home, which they believe will solve their problems. I have to be honest-I couldn't stand listening to Lisa Kudrow. I had to turn it off. Netflix. 9) The Bad Monkey-Vince Vaughn stars as a former Police Dept. member turned health inspector trying to solve a case involving a human arm. Not for me, but people like it. Apple TV. 10)Dexter-Original Sin-An all star cast with Christian Slater, Patrick Dempsey, and Sara Michelle Geller. I haven't started this but remember liking the original Dexter. This isn't calling to me. Showtime. 11)Disclaimer-starring Cate Blanchette and Kevin Kline. Psychological thriller which I really liked. Very controversial-many hated it. See for yourself. Tidbit: Leila George, who plays the young Blanchette is absolutely stunning. Once married to Sean Pean; daughter of Greta Scacchi and Vincent D'Onofrio. I give it a thumbs up-worthwhile watch. MOVIES(additional AMUSEMENTS) 1) A COMPLETE UNKNOWN-Run, don't walk. Timothy Chalamet is incredible as Dylan and Monica Barbaro is fabulous as Joan Baez. Ed Norton and Elle Fanning are also exceptional. These are academy worthy performances and it is a beautifully crafted film. Do not miss this. In Theaters. 2) BabyGirl-Maybe crawl and possibly go, but with trepidation. Nicole gives a stellar performance, but be forewarned. This has tons of dominant/submissive sex throughout and at times, is extremely difficult to watch. I also didn't find her co-star Harris Dickinson that appealing which made it even a bit more challenging for me. Anyway, she will be nominated for an academy award for this performance. My advice: watch it at home-not in the theater! 3) The Brutalist-Coming very soon to theaters. Starring Adrien Brody. Escaping postwar Europe, Architect Lazlo Toth is commissioned to create a building by a wealthy client who recognizes his talent. Running time is 215 minutes with an intermission. Supposedly, a phenomenal masterpiece. Can't wait to see it. Pee before it begins! And bring snacks!! 4) The Last Showgirl-starring Pamela Anderson and Jamie Lee Curtis. Directed by Gia Coppola. After a successful 30 year run, a showgirl needs to plan her future when the show closes. Anderson is receiving critical praise for her performance. Looks like it will be great! Coming soon. MOVIES(additional Amusements to watch at home) 1) Goodrich-AppleTV. Michael Keaton is wonderful in this touching movie. I loved it. So worthwhile. 2) My Old Ass-Prime. An 18th birthday mushroom trip brings a girl face to face with her 39 year old self. I liked it! Worth a look. 3) Fly Me To The Moon-Prime. All star cast: Scarlett Johanssson, Channing Tatum, Colin Jost, Woody Harrelson. Romance between a marketing executive and a NASA official. I watched it on the plane! It was cute. I recommend it. 4) Little Fish-Starring Cate Blanchette. It got good reviews but full disclosure: I fell asleep. It was sad and depressing and slow. Doubtful I'll give it another try. Amazon Prime. 5) The Fabulous Four-Ensemble cast: Midler, Sarandon, Spacek, Mullally. Friends travel to Key West to be bridesmaids to Midler. Absolutely horrible, but you might find it charming! Amazon Prime. 6) Maria-Suppposedly, an exceptional performance by Angelina Jolie portraying Maria Callas. Again, it didn't hold my attention and I fell asleep. Might try again but I'm not a huge fan of Jolie. See for yourself and decide. netflix. LOCAL RESTAURANTS I WANT TO TRY: Napoli-Montclair. Amerigo-Berkley Heights. Osteria Lk-Maplewood. ALL ARE BYO. BAUBLES FOR MY AMUSEMENT The jewelry line I'm coveting these days is Reza. Pretty and pric.ey. Bangles and Collars are exceptional worldofreza.com As the year of 2024 comes to an end, I am so thankful for my wonderful family, my amazing friends, and everyone in my life that helps me get through each minute, day, week and month-you all know who you are. I take nothing for granted at this point in my life. Every day is a true gift! That being said, it is a time for reflection, renewal, and growth. We must continue to be curious, to learn, and to grow. That's what will keep our bodies and minds young. Sometimes it's scary to try new things and step outside of your comfort zone. But, we must feel the fear-and do it anyway! That's the definition of GROWTH. May we all continue to flourish, grow, and learn in the year 2025. Wishing you a year filled with HOPE, HAPPINESS, HEALTH AND PEACE. PEACE OUT-ONE B