Miami Beach Here I Come

This is Norman writing from Karen's computer. It's Wednesday and I will be leaving shortly for the airport, heading for Miami Beach for 3 days, attending the annual ABMA (American Brush Manufacturer's Association) convention.  This is nothing more than a social occasion and unfortunately for me, I must show my face. Nothing very worthwhile comes out of these conventions, and it is quite costly. I wish I was staying home with my wife and dogs and attending tonight's prime rib dinner at National Golf Club. 

Happy Birthday, Mary Thompson!

Today is Mary's 24th Birthday, Big Bird's birthday and the official first day of Spring.  All things to celebrate!  Have a great day (and evening!), Mary and remember how mature you are when hitting the hot spots of NYC with your buddies. always a mom, right?

Getting Better, but no Guarantees Part 2

Norman, I feel the same way about the NY Times Crossword tournament. These people are tough! You think you're doing pretty well, showing up with another year of practice and a fancy pencil (see picture - the twist-erase mechanical pencils are the ultimate utensil of choice for truly serious solvers...according to Dad) and then...well, you end up in the bottom of the pile and wonder if everyone else is in on some big secret that you're not!

Regardless of their performance, Anne and Mary had a great time at the tournament and a wonderful time hanging out in the city. We stayed at 60 Thompson in Soho and enjoyed a fun night out on Friday with friends and a delicious dinner on Saturday at an Italian restaurant called Delposto.

On Sunday, Mary went back to her apartment in Brooklyn and Anne got caught in a snowstorm that ended up stranding her in New Canaan until Tuesday...not that she was complaining. Crossword puzzles and good food sure beat work!

Getting Better, But No Guarantees

Golf for both Karen and myself has been so inconsistent. But recently things are looking a tad better. Yesterday, Karen had an eagle on a very difficult par 5, and I parred 3 of the 5 holes I played. But that was yesterday...today is another day. Oh yeah, one more thing, more important than our golf games...Jenna was accepted to and will attend Tulane University in New Orleans this fall. She is so excited, as we all are. Congrats, honey. We are so very proud.

New Toys

Ralph has set up his computer and iPhone so that any new entry or changed entry to his calendar or list of contacts will automatically and wirelessly be reflected on both devices as well as on an Internet site which he can access from any computer anywhere. COOL!

He has also downloaded a new application from Amazon which allows him to purchase "electronic" books and load them on his iPhone for his reading pleasure. Most books are $9.99, are current and you can choose from over 240,000 titles and the list is growing. Also COOL!