FEBRUARY FOIBLES

Usually at this time of year we are hunkering inside avoiding the cold and snow. Luckily, we are approaching a record breaking no-snow winter. But, in preparation for the cold, I have been creating lists of restaurants, television series, movies, books and products that interest me, hoping to keep me entertained until Spring comes. It's a long list!

 RESTAURANTS I WANT TO TRY 

Five Acres-located on the rink level of Rockefeller center, it's a great venue to watch the skaters. It's getting rave reviews for its diverse breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus.

 Juniper-237 West 35th St. Great gin bar near Madison Square Garden where you can eat  burgers, tacos, sandwiches, salads and cocktails before or after an event. 

Joy Love Club-232 8th Ave. Looks adorable! Dim Sum tapas, small plates, wings for lunch or dinner.

 Pastrami King-1125 Lexington Ave. I am craving this sandwich! Supposedly, this location has the best. overstuffed pastrami sandwiches, and great knishes and fries-what could be bad?

 Semma-60 Greenwich Ave. Southern Indian cuisine. Many vegan options. Getting wonderful reviews.

 Corner Bar-60 Canal Street. Inside Nine Orchard Hotel. Pricey with a Snooty vibe serving shellfish, steak, pomme frittes, and creme brulee in a bistro setting. Best to go for a late lunch and a cocktail. Reservations necessary. 

S&P Sandwich Lunch-174 5th Ave.  Tuna Melts, Burgers, Matzoh Ball Soup, Reubens, and Latkes.

Yummy!

Hav & Mar-245 11th Ave. Marcus Samuelsson's new restaurant in Chelsea. Not sure there's anything on the menu that my husband will eat, but it looks interesting.

Yellow Rose-102 3rd Ave. Tex Mex Tacos, Queso, Sides. Open for brunch, lunch, dinner. Limited menu.

Ci Siamo-440 W. 33rd. I have eaten here and it's fabulous. Their cast iron focaccia, the pastas, the caramelized onion tarte, and the desserts are outstanding. Staff is super accommodating. A very pleasurable experience from beginning to end. 

MOVIES

Maybe I Do - Theater.  An all star cast (Richard Gere, Bill Macy, Dianne Keaton, Susan Sarandon). Theme is about love and marriage. Cute - and a nice way to spend a few hours.

You People-Netflix. Eddie Murphy and Jonas Hill star in this movie also about love and cultural differences. Hysterical. Worth a few hours. 

Blonde-Netflix. Ana de Armas is quite good as Marilyn Monroe. Other Stars include Adrien Brody and

and Bobby Cannavale. I liked this, and Ana de Armas has been rightfully nominated. Rotten Tomatoes didn't love it though. 

Lou-Netflix. Allison Janney stars in this action thriller. Liked it - especially as an at home distraction.

Tar-starring Cate Blanchett. Available on  Peacock and Apple TV.  I haven't seen this yet. Story is about  renowned musician Lydia Tar and her career. Will definitely view this before the Oscar's. She is nominated for this role.

Women Talking-In theaters now. 90% on Rotten Tomatoes. The women of a religious colony discover the men in the colony have drugged and raped women for years, Frances McDormand, one of the great actresses of our time, stars in this ensemble cast. Going to the movies this week to view.

Living-Theater. Bill Nighy has been nominated for his role in this film. He receives a medical diagnosis that prompts him to look for some fun and happiness. Definitely going to see this. 

Swimmers-Netflix. This movie about two sisters who flee Damascus and swim to reach Greece to compete in the Rio Olympics. Great reviews. Subtitles, so it has to be early in the evening for me!

The Inspection-available to rent on Apple or Prime. Jeremy Pope and Gabrielle Union star in this film about a gay man who joins the  Marines to prove himself to his family and the system. Inspiring story that I want to see. 

The Son-Theater, Hugh Jackman stars in this with Laura Dern. Father/son relationship issues. Bad reviews, but Hugh Jackman is the draw for me.

Shotgun Wedding-Amazon Prime. Stars Jennifer Lopez, Josh Duhamel, Jennifer Coolidge, Cheech Marin, and Lenny Kravitz. A total waste of time; mindless, stupid and silly. However, Lopez is exquisite, and Duhamel and Kravitz are very easy on the eyes.

Close-Theater. Two 13 year old boys and their friendship. Looks very good and  it was the winner of the Grand Jury Prize at Cannes Film Festival.

80 For Brady-Theater. Can't wait to see it! Love Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda. It will be ridiculous, but I don't care! 

Magic Mike's Last Dance-Theater. Another mindless film but I might have to go so I can watch Channing Tatum!

TELEVISION SERIES

Treason-Netflix. Spy Drama. Supposedly, lots of twists right from the beginning. Looks like it's worth a try. 

Shrinking-Apple TV. Jason Segal stars as a grieving therapist. His co worker is Harrison Ford, who is making his comedy debut. Watched the first two episodes and loved it! 

Suspect-Amazon Prime. A detective is called to the morgue to identify a body which turns out to be someone he knows. Not great reviews-slow and boring is the audience consensus.

Pokerface-Peacock. A Columbo vibe starring Natasha Lyonne, Benjamin Bratt, and Adrien Brody. People are loving this, but unfortunately, I don't have Peacock. 

Princess Power-Netflix. This is for the little kids. Developed by Savannah Guthrie and based on  her book Princesses wear pants which celebrates female friendship. Looks awesome.

BOOKS ON MY NIGHTSTAND (IF I EVER STOP WATCHING TV!)

Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow-Gabrielle Zevin

Horse-Geraldine Brooks

Trust-Hernan Diaz

Fellowship Point-Alice Elliot Dark

Survivor's Guilt-Robyn Gigl

FOOD GIFTS 

Orchardfruit.com-Try the fruit centerpiece($105) or the half moon($95). The best fruit platters ever.

Simply Delicious and magnificent.

Nuts.com-I love the custom built snack boxes! A great hostess gift!

Sendacake.com-the cake explosion boxes (with butterflies or confetti) are such fun! Send it for a Birthday surprise. $50.00 and up.

Edoughble-edible cookie dough. Great for the kids. You can build a box starting at $39.00

esprovisions.com-Wonderful for a super bowl host gift. Gourmet pretzels and different toppings. $39.00 and up. 

Olympiaprovisons,com-"Will you be my meatheart? A heart shaped box filled with various salamis! For the meat eaters in your life.

Fourchette-fromage.com  I stumbled into this amazing store in Clinton, N.J. over the holidays. It is stocked with cheeses, oils, mustards, vinegars, magnificent bowls and serving items, etc. The table clothes and placemats are exquisite as well. I love this store, and  the owners will also create charcuterie platters for you. There is a website and they are on instagram. Check them out!

Gold Street Bakery-Challahs in all flavors; Cinnamon Raisin, Chocolate Chip, S'mores, PB&J, Salted Onion, Chocolate Mint, and Confetti. $15-$20. Available for delivery in N.Y.C. You can find them @GoldStreetNYC on Instagram, or for more questions: email jshaaz@hotmail.com  

PRODUCTS TO BUY THAT ARE ON MY SHORT LIST

Hoka Sneakers-I like the Bondi 8 style for my ailing feet.

Oofos recovery sandals-for walking around the house because I can no longer walk barefoot!

Sheertex Stockings-I am told these are the best if you need to purchase stockings  which are no longer very available in department stores. I did try to order these and they didn't come in the time frame that was promised. 

Anguilla evolve together lip balm-simply the best lip balm I have ever used. $23.00. I use it 3 times a day!

YSL Engravable Lipstick-Beautiful lipsticks in pretty cases that you can engrave with a messsage or a monagram. A perfect gift if you know what color is appropriate for the receiver. Starting at $38.00.

HP Deskjet Wireless Color all in one printer-it will print from your phone or tablet! $85.00.

America and Beyond Totes-if you don't feel like splurging on a Louboutin greekaba or frangibus starlite Canvas tote (my favorites) then check out these beaded large totes for travel. They are so cool and inexpensive! Starting at $99.00. Great for the beach, too.

Clarks Shoes for Zara-check out the hot pink wallabes $229.00 or the leather ankle boot in orange or beige for $219. Stylish and comfortable -yay!

Whew-finally finished with all the lists! Wishing you a Happy Valentine's Day! 

PEACE OUT -ONE B

#NEVER KEVIN(S)

As I witness the debacle of Kevin McCarthy losing the bid for Speaker of the House for the sixth time over the past two days, I can't help but recall the movie, Tin Cup. Another Kevin (Costner) stars in this film as Roy McAvoy, a fledgling golfer who ends up miraculously qualifying for the U.S. Open. Ron Shelton directed this movie over twenty six years ago, and I think it's one of the best golf movies of our time (how many are there?). Roy approaches the 72nd hole of the tournament and contemplates if he should lay up or go for it. Roy's stubborness lands him in the water 11 times, and he has one last ball left before he will be disqualified. Every one of us remembers what happens. On his twelfth and final shot, the ball goes into the hole! The crowd goes wild! Resounding Cheers. Roy says, "I hit it again because that shot was a defining moment, and when a defining moment comes along, you define the moment...or the moment defines you. Maybe everyone has a little Roy in them? We don't always choose to play it safe. As Costner's character was shanking every shot, Kevin McCarthy seems to be doing exactly the same thing. His inflexibility, over confidence, entitlement, and sheer negligence is contributing to his self destruction. McCarthy has taken the ultimate risk and has reaped no reward. He is intensely disliked and he refuses to walk away. If McCarthy had done his due diligence and met with every Republican PRIOR to this vote, he possibly could've obtained the necessary 218 votes. He would've known what to negotiate and how to go about it. He had months to prepare for this moment but he dropped the ball. He has gambled and lost. Roy McAvoy was more afraid of walking away than losing. McCarthy seems to be more afraid of losing and WON'T walk away. If it comes down to the need for immortality-don't worry! We will always remember this moment in history-just as we will always remember what happenened on the 72nd hole of Tin Cup. Costner sinks the shot and McCarthy sunk himself. While neither Kevin achieved their original goal, we cheered for Costner at the end of Tin Cup. He showed gumption, a sense of humor, and most importantly, he accepted his loss. McCarthy, however, fails to hear the people and continues to ignore the results. Cheech, Roy McAvoy's caddy, says to Roy: "Man, you'd bury yourself alive just to prove you could handle the shovel." I leave you with this thought from the movie: "Golf and Sex are the only things you don't have to be good at to enjoy." Until we meet again-PEACE OUT, ONE B.

"Who Am I, and where have I been, and where am I going?" Carl Sandburg

This is the time of year for self reflection. Many of us vow to make New Year's resolutions and promise to keep them. We pledge to get rid of the clutter, exercise more, eat healthier, drink less, be kinder-the list goes on forever. The sad reality is we probably forget about these resolutions about a month into the New Year. Rather than make resolutions we can't keep, we should look back on the year/and our lives and ask what are our regrets? How can I do better? Can I be a more loving spouse, a better parent, can I perform better at my job, can I be a kinder, more compassionate friend? Do I continue to grow, learn, remain curious, try new experiences? Each of us experience events that alter our lives. Having a child or a grandchild, the loss of a job, or starting a new job, the illness of a parent of child, a friendship dissolves, the loss of a pet, children go off to college or get married, the death of someone close to you, the isolation of a pandemic-It doesn't matter what is different or has shifted. We just need to recognize that life experiences constantly change us, and we need to let those close to us, know it. Acknowledging these changes requires adaptation and reexamination. No matter our age; beliefs and values are always under construction. This is a good time to reintroduce yourselves to your partner or spouse. Fall in love all over again. Try to acknowledge the good things your partner does-what do you appreciate? It can be anything that makes you happy-did they plan a trip, pay the bills, take out the garbage, fold the laundry, make a dinner reservation pick up the cleaning.....Don't underestimate communicating your gratitude! It goes a long way in a relationship (whether it is being voiced to a friend, partner, spouse, work associate, or child). Many of us like consistency and feel safe. But others, feel trapped with too much consistency. There is a balance. Try new things. Reprioritize what we view as important and help others understand who we have become. Don't be afraid to express your fears, hopes, wishes, and dreams. Continue to grow at any age. Don't be complacent. Become a better version of who you are! "One of the greatest tragedies in life is to lose your own sense of self and accept the version of you that is expected by everyone else." K.L. Toth Wishing you a Fabulous 2023! Happy and Healthy New Year! PEACE OUT-ONE B

'TIS THE SEASON TO BE JOLLY; OR IS IT?

As soon as Halloween approaches, we start to see commercials for Christmas! These spots always get me in an uproar. I am the original "Bah Humbug" Queen. I believe we have forgotten what the meaning of the season is truly about. We should be thinking about why we are blessed, and what we are grateful for. But, rather, the holidays have become more about which gifts to buy; how many people we need to buy for; and what is the appropriate amount we should be spending. Despite the commercials and ads, this time of year is not all about beautifully wrapped presents, and warm cashmere sweaters. This year, I am feeling profoundly sad and I am missing my Mom. Sorrow for my loss has slowly been creeping up on me. I have come to the realization that I am now an "orphan"- both my parents have passed, and this is the first holiday without either of them. And, I have also come to the scary truth(surrounded by many friends and acquaintances dealing with significant health issues)that I, too, am on the "back nine" and life is quite unpredictable. Lately, the expectations for the holidays between buying gifts, baking, cooking, and attending various functions seems somehow more overwhelming. In order to deal with all this, I have delegated tasks and I have started saying "no" if I am feeling too stressed. I do my best to put on a happy face and go about my day, but I am not always successful. I hope that family and friends understand, and are aware of the additional vulnerability and loneliness I am dealing with this year. No matter when you lose someone dear to you, whether they are young or old, loss equals pain. Even though a loved one is gone, your love does not die. I'm not going to lie-it's been a rough go for me. So what can I do to get beyond this funk? I try to exercise every day; eat healthy 95% of the time; and drink less alcohol, which is extremely hard during the party season! Sleeping more is also not an option for me, since I am totally incapable! Going forward, I will continue to keep the memories of my Mom and Dad alive by telling stories and sharing my memories about them. I want to honor and respect them always. Emotions are a funny thing: we can feel sad one moment, happiness the next, and guilt for something else all in a matter of seconds. Do not judge, and instead, try to be compassionate because one's life isn't always as it seems. This year I will try to focus on what matters most to me (family and friends) and I will try to ignore feelings of pressure to please everyone all of the time. It's not possible to please everyone, and it only leads to further anxiety and stress. Most of us have unrealistic expectations at this time of year which causes addiional disappointments. Rather, tell people what you need and maybe they will hear you. Unfortunately, this is not easy but keep trying. Most of all don't attribute intent to someone's behavior. It may not be about you. Another lesson I am trying hard to learn. Again, not easy! I wish all of you a joyful Holiday filled with Health and Happiness. Stay focused on what's important and cherish the worth of wonderful friends and family.... and not the worth of gifts given and received. PEACE, HEALTH, LOVE, HARMONY-ONE B

GETTING OLD AIN'T FOR THE FAINT OF HEART (MAE WEST)

Although Fall is my favorite season, I come to it each year with some mixed emotions. Every year at this time, I begin my scheduled yearly medical exams. As I approach my 68th birthday, I have just completed a series of gel shots for an ailing right knee that locks conservatively about 8-10 times a day. At the end of these shots, I did not have a lot of relief, so an MRI was requested. Not surprisingly, I have arthritis and "complex" meniscus tears due to old age. With no assurance that arthroscopic surgery could help the locking, I shall endure this issue for the time being. Next, was the first time comprehensive hearing test. The good news-my hearing is PERFECT! The bad news-I have negative pressure and my eustacian tubes are dysfunctional. WHATEVER... I'll take sudafed when I fly. After the hearing exam, I went through an intensive eye exam which lasted over two hours. Good News again-perfect eye sight, but bad allergies, and just continue with over the counter readers. The next appointment was to my Endocrinologist who monitors my osteoporosis, my sugar, my nine nodules in my neck, and prescribes Prolia shots that I get twice a year. My nodules have shrunk-HURRAY! Coming up: My annual Ob-gyn appointment, my annual physical with my internist; my annual visit to my cardiologist; and finally, my annual bone density and mammography. By the time I have completed all these examinations, it's spring again! Oh-I forgot to mention my 3 times a year dental cleanings, and my annual body scan with my dermatologist!! Ironically, U.S. News came out today with a report that all American adults under the age of 65 should be screened for anxiety disorders. The task force didn't recommend that seniors over 65 get screened since symptoms of anxiety and aging can overlap! How can we NOT be anxious? We are constantly dealing with waiting for our lab results, and sitting for hours in various doctor's waiting rooms? What happened to the time when we went to a doctor once a year for only our annual physical? Those days are long gone! I have a friend who says that we can only talk about one body part at a meal and then we must zip it! Despite all my complaining, I realize that getting older is better than the alternative. It is a benefit not afforded to everyone. And, in many cultures, old age is held in particularly high esteem. But, old age is rarely celebrated. The bottom line is that we can either view aging as an opportunity or a deficiency. I choose to view it as an opportunity. That being said, there are a few concerns I must express to you. For example, who will monitor the random hair growth on my face when I can no longer see it, or have hands that can't manipulate the tweezers? Or, will I be mistaken for a turkey at Thanksgiving when people are sitting across from my neck at the holiday dinner? And finally, who will help me locate my car in various parking lots after many minutes of searching? My hope is that my family and friends will not become frustrated with me, and will exhibit enduring patience. After all, this is the first time I've ever been old. I haven't yet had a chance to practice! But, first and foremost, I want to feel respected, loved and not alone. Isn't this what we all wish for - whether we are young or old? "If you're not getting older, you're dead. Tom Petty (he ought to know!) "So far about aging, despite the creakiness of one's bones and cragginess of one's once-silken skin, is this: DO IT. BY ALL MEANS DO IT. Maya Angelou "And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years." Abraham Lincoln Wishing you all the most exquisite fall season! PEACE OUT-ONE B

"WE DIDN'T START THE FIRE. WE DIDN'T LIGHT IT BUT WE TRIED TO FIGHT IT."

Hot Summer No Rain Total Bummer Insane Covid Monkeypox World exploded Vaccine rocks Liz Cheney Gives a Damn Moral Lady Sacrificial Lamb Portier Hate Crimes Travel Delay Airport Lines Supreme Court Pro Choice Abortion Ban Use Your Voice Charlie Watts Robert Morse Insurection Plots A Fainting Horse Iran Ukraine Afghanistan Such Pain Ginni Thomas Cult Member Breaks Promise OFFENDER Climate Change Shark Bites Stock Exchange Knife fright Republicans Election Deniers Democrats Not Liars Anti Semitism Gas High Racism BYE BYE Donald Trump Fake News Orange Lump Need Booze Joe Biden Take Pride In Al Zawahiri Made World Weary N.Y. Mets On a high N.Y. Yankees Not so fly ENJOY THE END OF SUMMER. PEACE OUT-ONE B

WHY GOLF? AND WHY NOW?

I grew up surrounded by the game of golf. My Dad loved the game. He was an avid golfer who played 3-4 times a week for as long as I can remember. We belonged to Shackamaxon Country Club in Scotch Plains, and that is where he spent all his recreational time when he was away from his offices and his beloved patients. His swing was easy, fluid, and a pleasure to witness. And from the ages of 73-93, he was capable of shooting his age! Finally, very late in life, he got his first and only hole in one which was beyond exciting for him. My Mom and my sister also played and generally, they were consistent, respectable nine holers. I, however was satisfied to remain on the sidelines and never took up the game. People assume I know nothing about the game. But actually, I know more than they think. I understand golf etiquette, which club to use for my next shot, how to replace divots, all the golf terms, bump and run shots, and most importantly, to keep the game moving. When I first married my husband, who too, is a good golfer (lately, some days better than others!) and has been playing for over 60 years, I decided I might take up the game so that I could play with him. On my first outing with both my Dad and my husband, my Dad was relentless. Between him giving me lessons and constant criticisms, I came away dejected, deflated, and shaking. I put the idea of golf out of my head. As a perfectionist and a mom of two young children, I didn't feel I had extended periods of free time to practice and to play. But 40 years later, something magical has happened! I am now a grandma of five little ones ranging in ages from 10 to 3. Potentially, all 5 of these children will take up the game. Presently, two of my grandsons are learning to play and like the sport! This has become the impetus for me to take up golf once again. The thought of spending special time with each of these extraordinary children in a beautiful setting held tremendous appeal for me! With that goal in mind, I proceeded to schedule lessons, order a few clubs, and endure lots of black and blue wrists. If you ask me if I enjoy it, I'll smile and shrug my shoulders. The entire allure for me is based on spending quality time with my husband and grandchildren (and my children if they'll play with me!). I certainly don't like the clothes, the shoes, the heat, and the bugs; not to mention I can't pee behind a tree if nature calls! It's not the game itself that's drawing me in-it's the idea of who I'll get to be with while playing. AND THEN YESTERDAY HAPPENED! My husband and I had the honor and priviledge of taking my seven year old grandson out on the course. Neither he nor I were very good,(Owen showed great promise!) but it was one of the most memorable days in my life! Watching my husband with him, talking as we were walking to our next shot, discussing fescue, the "fringe" and why his friends love the 8th hole....We had the BEST time! I literally came off the course crying tears of joy-I thought to myself that I now had a reason to return to the course. It's spending time with the most special people in my life! What can be better than that?