And just like that, it’s less than two weeks until Christmas. No sooner did I unpack my infamous Christmas closet and brace myself for the avalanche of décor which poured forth, then I must now begin to contemplate how in the world I’m going to fit everything back where I found it. ’Tis the season, indeed, short as it may be.
Spirit of the Season
Once a Bulldog, Always a Bulldog… so the slogan goes, stamped on every piece of Lindenhurst paraphernalia this side of Wellwood Avenue, and beyond. And it’s true. I have not been a student of the Lindenhurst school district since 2000; but, come every Homecoming, I am there - along the parade route, in the stands, on the sidelines - snapping pictures for this very paper and cheering on the home team with the rest of the crowd, many of them fellow alumni.
I Heart New York
I love New York City. Unfortunately, my trips to the Big Apple tend to be few and far between; certainly not for lack of attractions to visit, but for the simple fact that time tends to slip away with the daily grind. Before you know it, months have elapsed, and all those fun day trips you had discussed with family and friends remain unexplored.
Of Foliage and Fuzzy Friends
For as long as I can remember, I’ve always wanted a “furry” pet of some kind, be it a puppy, kitten, bunny, even a guinea pig. Of course, once I moved into my own apartment and realized that such fuzzy companions require far more attention than I, as a full-time member of the workforce, can provide, I settled for my beloved little Buddy the Betta - and, following his passing, my new baby Betta, Norton von Spudly. Not exactly furry, but still fairly entertaining and interactive as fish go.
Harry
“Have you ever really had a teacher? One who saw you as a raw but precious thing, a jewel that, with wisdom, could be polished to a proud shine?” ~ Mitch Albom
Last week, I was saddened to learn of the passing of a most cherished teacher, mentor and friend, Mr. Elsesser - “Harry” as he signed the yearly Christmas cards we exchanged. They say that some people leave footprints on your heart… this was most certainly true of the man who took me under his wing way back in 4th grade, and helped me to soar to new heights I never thought possible.
When We Were Young
There’s something about this time of year, even being 17-plus years removed from school, that still resonates with a certain degree of excitement. First days, new supplies in hand, a fashionable outfit all picked out the night before… just seeing snapshots of my friends’ children brings back a flood of memories from when I was a child, excitedly comparing schedules with my own classmates, mapping out what routes to take to class, planning who to eat lunch with - the important things.
An Eclipse, a Fox and a Whale … Oh My!
“An eclipse, a fox and a whale … what's next? A zebra?” These were the words overheard at Robert Moses Field 5 on the afternoon of Monday, August 21st, spoken by a little boy as he incredulously recounted the events of the day. Nearly 30 years his senior, I have to say I shared the sentiment.
A Funny Thing Happened…
A funny thing happened on my last trip to the beach; rather, several amusingly bizarre things that left my friend and I shaking our heads in bewilderment and wondering if we were, in fact, part of some sort of candid camera exposé.
A Time to Remember
My alma mater, Lindy High School, recently held its senior prom last week, bringing to mind my own end-of-year soirees which took place so many years ago.
Raising the Flag
There are many Memorial Day weekend traditions that people enjoy. Most of them tend to involve barbecues and beaches, bathing suits and sunbathing. Few take the time to truly appreciate the meaning of the holiday itself.
Seeing the Signs
I’m always looking for signs. Except when I’m not, which makes them all the more poignant and undeniable.