This summer it seems we are all in need of some laughs. As a Gen X some of these may be a little close to home. But they still made me laugh.
When someone starts a sentence with, “back when I was a kid,” people often brace themselves for a nostalgic lecture about how great things were before smart phones, social media, and Pokémon Go.
As a Gen Xer and proud nostalgia enthusiast, I’m about as guilty of this as a person can get. But the more I think about the good ol’ days, the more I realize it wasn’t all sunshine and 8-tracks. In fact, when I stop and think about it, it’s a wonder I survived childhood with all 10 fingers and 10 toes.
Think about it. Parental supervision was minimal. 911 wasn’t available in most towns. Older homes were coated in lead-based paint, and schools were covered in asbestos. My high school, like most, had a smoking section for students! Gen Xers grew up in a very different and sometimes very dangerous time.
Now that my generation (you should be singing The Who right now) is getting closer to retirement age I had some thoughts. We are all getting older and falling apart, REM should remake Everybody Hurts for an Ibuprofen ad.
Here are just some thoughts
Now breaking from Gen X humor to somethings to just brighten your day.
A half-century ago, Pink Floyd unleashed a classic that still lingers on the Billboard charts and in college dorms to this day.
The first time I had heard Pink Floyd was when I was in 8th grade in 1979 when The Wall was released. They were on almost every radio station and nearly every kids knew the words and could shout/sing WE DON’T NEED NO EDUCATION… (another Brick in the Wall Part 2). I had a habit of falling asleep with the radio on. At some point in the middle of the night I woke up to the sound of a ticking clock followed by an alarm. The station that I was listening to (it was a Syracuse station from the 1980’s. I can’t remember the name 94 Rock?? maybe) was playing the entire album of Dark Side of the Moon.
The next day I bought the album (Main St Records in Cortland). At that point the album was already a classic and 7 years old. I must have listened to that album 1000 times that year. When my friend Chris Meddaugh brought over head phones it was AMAZING.
Dark Side of the Moon can be enjoyed for its far-out sonic landscapes or its inventive production, which reveals new surprises with every listen. You can also study its lyrics – much of Roger Waters’ writing was inspired by a former member of Pink Floyd, Syd Barrett, who was forced to leave the band he’d helped found after his behavior became too erratic, influenced in part by drug use and in part by fame. Some say it was a psychotic break.
All that you touch and all that you see All that you taste, all you feel And all that you love and all that you hate All you distrust, all you save And all that you give (all you give) and all that you deal And all that you buy, beg, borrow, or steal (Hey-ey) And all you create and all you destroy (Ooooh) And all that you do and all that you say (Heeeey-yeah) And all that you eat and everyone you meet (Everyone you meet) And all that you slight and everyone you fight (Hooooo) And all that is now and all that is gone And all that’s to come and everything under the sun is in tune (Everything) But the sun is eclipsed by the moon
Love is one of those hard things. You need to give in order to receive. The good thing about it is giving it feels so good. With love you have hope.
Sometimes love can be one sided; Sometimes love can be awkward and unspoken – but it is still there and when you love someone you make the world a better place.
Watch the news tonight- would 1/2 the stuff you see happen if there was more love? Probably not.
Give me love Give me love Give me peace on earth Give me light Give me life Keep me free from birth Give me hope Help me cope, with this heavy load Trying to, touch and reach you with, heart and soul
PLEASE take hold of my hand, that I might understand you
A month ago we got the news no one wants to get. My wife was diagnosed with small cell invasive carcinoma, a form of breast cancer. They were able to catch it early so the prognosis is mostly good. Since the diagnosis she has had to endure 3 painful MRI assisted biopsies.
If you know my wife, you know her physical and emotional strength. You know that she is a determined individual and has a great attitude and outlook on life. Many of you are going to ask, “What can I do?” You can go and get regular exams. You can encourage others to do the same.
We met with the medical staff at the hospital on what to expect, the surgeon, the oncologist, the radiologist, the nursing staff. We also had to meet with someone from BILLING and FINANCES. The surgeries and treatments she will have to have are…
Weekend in Portsmouth: One of America’s most charming Christmas towns
Photo: Tripadvisor
By Laura Begley BloomDec 4, 2022 • 7 minutes read
Last year, The WeekEnder kicked off the holiday season in a real-life snow-globe: New Hope, Pennsylvania. This year, we’re pointing our compass north to Portsmouth, New Hampshire, a seaport city that has been called one of America’s Christmas capitals. With all the twinkling lights, gingerbread houses, and holiday traditions, we couldn’t agree more.
“It’s like a Currier & Ives print come to life,” says Veronica Lester, director of marketing at Strawbery Banke Museum, a 10-acre living history museum that co-hosts an annual Vintage Christmas celebration and pulls out all the stops to help transform Portsmouth into a winter wonderland—from an outdoor skating rink to decorated historic houses to candlelight strolls.
Veronica Lester (L), Monte Bohanan (C), David Vargas (R)
But before we start unwrapping all the appeals of Portsmouth, let’s get a handle on the geography. This coastal town is divided into several sections: There’s Market Square (the commercial district smack in the center of it all), the West End (an up-and-coming area with restaurants and shops), and the South End (a magical residential neighborhood with narrow brick sidewalks and Colonial houses). Right outside town is New Castle, a quiet enclave spread across several islands that’s home to the top place to stay.
This is from The WeekEnder series: local insider guides for new destinations a short drive from New York City, delivered to your inbox twice a month. Sign up here!
Portsmouth is rich in arts and culture, and one of the major players is The Music Hall, an historic performance space that co-hosts Vintage Christmas with Strawbery Banke Museum. Monte Bohanan, The Music Hall’s community engagement director, says the art scene is what drew him to Portsmouth. “I grew up an hour west of here and Portsmouth was always my cultural true north,” says Monte. “For such a small city, Portsmouth punches well above its weight when it comes to arts and culture and events.”
Thanks to trailblazers like David Vargas, a James Beard award-nominated chef, Portsmouth also has a buzzing food scene. David made a name for himself by fusing his Mexican heritage with the best New England ingredients at his restaurant, Vida Cantina. He also co-founded the New England BIPOC Fest, an annual fall festival that celebrates the Seacoast’s underserved cultures and communities with food, art, design, and more. David grew up in California and moved here with his wife, a New Hampshire native. What attracted him: “It’s absolutely beautiful and there are incredible chefs doing some amazing things for their community,” says David.
Now, let’s head to Portsmouth and start the holidays off right.
Set on a tiny island on the outskirts of town, this sprawling estate is a flashback to another era, with its red mansard roof, sprawling porch, elegant woodwork, and brass trimmings. The property was originally built in 1874 by a Boston-based distiller who wanted to create a grand vacation spot for New England vacationers—and his legacy lives on today. Wentworth goes all out for the holidays, starting on December 4 with Illumination, a special event where Santa and his elves light up the hotel and unveil a giant gingerbread house. Book a special holiday meal at Salt, the onsite farm-to-table restaurant.
Honorable Mentions
Hotel Portsmouth (L), Ale House Inn (R)
For Instagrammers: Hotel Portsmouth – This converted 1881 Victorian mansion mixes a taste of the past (claw-foot tubs, fireplaces) with modern amenities. “Each room is unique and the folks who run it are great,” says Monte Bohanan.
For an affordable stay: Ale House Inn – Set in a 19th century brewery warehouse that closed during Prohibition, the Ale House is a cheery spot with sleek rooms.
For sweethearts: The Sailmaker’s House – A charming family-owned inn with a nautical vibe and an ideal location that’s perfect for romantic strolls through Market Square and Prescott Park.
Where to eat
“What makes a difference in Portsmouth is that a lot of the chefs care about supporting their community,” says David Vargas. “And by supporting your local farms and your community, you’re not just eating good food, you’re eating good energy.”
Best breakfasts
Colby’s Breakfast and Lunch
Colby’s Breakfast and Lunch – “A tiny breakfast and lunch location that always has a line but is well worth the wait,” says Veronica Lester. “I’m a big fan of the blueberry pancakes with a side of bacon.”
La Maison Navarre – This pastry shop is run by a couple from France, who have brought a taste of Europe to Portsmouth—think addictive croissants, crêpes, and macarons.
The Friendly Toast – This kitschy scratch kitchen and bar serves brunch all day and is always packed, thanks to dishes like Churro Bites topped with strawberry habanero jam and the Snack, Crackle, Cluck sandwich with Rice Crispy-coated chicken breast.
Coffee break
Cup of Joe
Cup of Joe – A coffee shop by day that transforms into a bar with live music at night. “An incredible spot,” says David. “Not only is owner Joanna Kelley the president of the board for the BIPOC Fest, she’s also the first African American woman to be the assistant mayor for the city of Portsmouth.”
Lunchtime
Bennett’s Sandwich Shop (L), River House (R)
Bennett’s Sandwich Shop – A simple little hole-in-the-wall with awesome sandwiches like a shaved steak-and-cheese sub and a tuna melt to die for.
River House – Perfect for lunch with a view, this family-friendly surf-and-turf spot is set right on the water. “I love the cranberry walnut chicken wrap,” says Veronica.
Casual eats
Jumpin’ Jay’s Fish Café
The Wilder – A modern New England gastropub. “Always ask what the taco of the day is—they’re so delicious they often sell out,” says Veronica, who also recommends the nitro cold brew espresso martini.
Jumpin’ Jay’s Fish Café – If you’re in the mood for seafood, Jumpin’ Jay’s is a classic. “It’s my go-to for oysters, but I always get the pan-seared salmon,” says Monte Bohanan.
Raleigh Wine Bar + Eatery – “The owner, Nimi, knows her food and her wine,” says David. “The menu is ever-changing, but the last time I went, I had a veal pasta that was absolutely amazing.”
Global bites
Vida Cantina (L), Street (R)
Vida Cantina – David’s award-winning modern-Mexican restaurant goes beyond the standards. Think mole jazzed up with squid ink and pozole made with corn, hominy, and winter squash. The restaurant is recognized for its tacos, thanks to the hand-pressed tortillas made by a local company that David originally founded. “It’s what helps stand us apart from any other Mexican restaurant around,” he says.
Street – This eclectic spot that has been featured on Diners, Dive-Ins, and Dives serves street food eats from around the globe, from falafel to phở, burgers to bibimbap.
Cava – “A tiny Spanish tapas restaurant with a handful of tables—you need to make a reservation,” says Monte.
Durbar Square – Traditional Himalayan food. “We in the chef community call it ‘the Hidden secret of Portsmouth,’” says David. “It’s my favorite date night for myself and my wife.”
Shalimar – “Incredible homemade Indian food,” says David.
Date night
Black Trumpet
Black Trumpet – Chef Evan Mallett (co-founder of the BIPOC Fest) is another Portsmouth visionary who serves memorable farm-to-table creations in a cozy brick building right on the water. “Their locally-sourced, rotating menu never disappoints,” says Veronica.
Ristorante Massimo – Fine Italian dining downstairs—perfect for a romantic date night. Upstairs is a more casual bar that Veronica recommends for a glass of wine and tasty small bites like the Formaggi, Salumi e Cicchetti.
What to do
Arts and culture
Roaming carolers perform for Candlelight Stroll visitors in the historic gardens and landscapes of Strawbery Banke Museum. Photo courtesy David J. Murray/ClearEyePhoto.com
There’s been a long history of artists in and around Portsmouth. “It’s the classic story—when things weren’t so economically great, that’s when the artists moved into the abandoned warehouses and began the renaissance that has continued until today,” says Monte Bohanan.
Strawbery Banke Museum – In 1623, English colonists established a settlement at Portsmouth Harbor and named it “Strawbery Banke”—legend has it—for the wild fruit growing along the banks of the river. The area has been converted into a living history museum that transforms into an immersive holiday experience with candlelight strolls and houses decked out for the season. Visitors can learn about what a Victorian Christmas was like in 1870 at the Goodwin Mansion or check out Hannukah in 1910 at the Shapiro House.
The Music Hall – At this intimate space with Broadway-quality productions, every seat in the house is a front-row seat. This season, there’s a special production of Elf, The Musical. Monte’s insider tip? “Check out the restrooms—the ladies room looks like it’s straight out of Harry Potter. It’s a fantastical Gaudí-esque space that transports you out of your day to day,” he says.
Portsmouth Historical Society – Founded in 1917, this nonprofit celebrates the area’s history, arts, and culture and also hosts an annual gingerbread house exhibition.
Seacoast African American Cultural Center – New Hampshire’s first Black cultural center showcases the contributions of individuals of African descent in the Seacoast community through concerts, art exhibits, and more.
3S Artspace – Part performance space, part contemporary gallery, part restaurant, this is a local art concept that’s on the vanguard.
The Players Ring – “A small theater that does mostly new works by regional playwrights,” says Monte. “Around the holidays, they showcase classics like A Christmas Carol.”
Jimmy’s Jazz and Blues Club – This restored landmark hosts national and regional jazz and blues acts, and has a serious culinary and cocktail program.
Outdoors
An aerial view of Labrie Family Skate at Puddle Dock Pond and the grounds of Strawbery Banke Museum decorated for the Candlelight Stroll holiday event. Photo courtesy David J. Murray/ClearEyePhoto.com
In addition to working and literally living at Strawbery Banke Museum—where she rents an apartment in one of the historic houses—Veronica Lester also works as a seasonal deckhand at Portsmouth Harbor Cruises (which operates summer sailing trips). What she loves about Portsmouth: “It’s a great walking city with tons of green spaces and a beautiful waterfront.” Here, some of the spots where the locals go when they want to get a breath of fresh air.
Prescott Park – “As someone who is fascinated by all things maritime, this is a wonderful place to sit and watch the working tugboats and large ships sailing by,” says Veronica.
Urban Forestry Center – This forested loop is set right in the middle of Portsmouth. “If you’re looking for a woodsy hike, this is the place,” says Monte.
Shopping
Portsmouth Soap Company (L), Macro Polo (R)
Besides all the charming shops, there’s another reason to go holiday shopping in Portsmouth: no state sales tax.
Portsmouth Soap Company – Homemade soaps, bath bombs, lotions, and indulgent gifts. “The two ladies who run this shop are incredibly nice and have a wealth of knowledge running occasional soap making classes, which are incredibly fun and doable for a beginner like myself,” says Veronica Lester.
Pickwick’s Mercantile – An old-fashioned shopping experience with apothecary items lining the shelves and staffers dressed in period costumes. “The place for trinkets, leather-bound journals, candles, Christmas items, Portsmouth-themed gifts, and more,” says Veronica.
Macro Polo – Fun gifts for anyone who loves a good laugh: toys, books, notecards, socks, you name it.
I have a pretty great life. Having grown up reasonably poor I think I have really learned to appreciate the small things. Things like a quiet moment with my coffee before I head out the door to work. We were taught about hard work and No matter what our financial situation was at the time, there really were not any NEEDS that were unmet. My family always found something to laugh about and we still do today.
There are so many things to be Thankful for. Keeping with my recent trend of LISTS Here is my list of some of the unorthodox things I have been thankful for.Toilet paper: Just imagine what it was like without it! What would it be like without it now? It’s a scary thought.
– Toothpaste: By the time the Founding Fathers of the U.S. were in their 70s and 80s (including Jefferson, Washington, Adams and Franklin), they were near or totally toothless. Enough said.
– Deodorant and perfume: Yeah, you know what I mean! You’ve smelled the unpleasantness of those without such niceties and have probably been smelled by others when you went without! Life is simply better when we see our friends coming long before smelling them
– Soap: I have stood and sat by people for whom soap effectively did not exist. Deodorant only goes so far at masking other people’s stench, after all. I’m deeply grateful for it!- I am thankful my kids couldn’t decode my Dadisms, like the fact that “Let’s play the quiet game” really means: “Stop talking, my ears are bleeding.” Or “One day you’ll thank me” really means: “Hopefully, we’ll all forget this ever happened.”
– I am thankful my daughter has not forgotten about when I had her believing that she had an older sister named Katherine who we sent to a convent.
– I am thankful that I haven’t had to clean up pee (kid’s, pet’s, or otherwise) once this week.
– I am thankful for stars like George Clooney, Rob Lowe and Johnny Depp, who make being over 50 seem not so old.
– I am thankful sweetener packets can be used as makeshift floss — in a pinch.
– I am thankful for Netflix, which allows me to watch shows that started six seasons ago and end in a month. (I will be more thankful when there is a Netflix Anonymous.)
– Although it makes me sad because my kids are grown up – I am thankful I haven’t tripped over or stepped on: a Lego, Barbie, ball, skateboard, drum stick, puzzle piece, My Little Pony, or something from a Happy Meal in the last few years.
– I am thankful my kids never realized that I had no clue what I was doing.
– I am thankful for the $20 bill I found in my jeans yesterday — that’s always exciting.
I am forever thankful to my amazing neighbors.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m beyond thankful for traditional stuff as well, but it’s super cathartic to mention the stuff that might get you kicked out of Thanksgiving dinner.
And MOSTLY I AM THANKFUL FOR YOU: I’m grateful for people like you who visit my blog and read what I have to say, who share what I say with others and share what they think about what I say with me. I am grateful for you.
The end of the summer often brings a melanchollie feeling to me. As the leaves turn bright and then fallI ponder the things I wish I had done or wished I had done more of over the summer.
I understand it is just a cycle because I feel the same way as winter leads to spring and the Red Sox head to spring training. I think of the days I SHOULD have gone skiing. Of times I wished I SHOULD have just snuggled in front of the fire with my wife.
Perhaps It is time to stop living with such regret.
I am fortunate to live in an area with a few wonderful local ice cream shops. When they open in the spring there are lines of families stopping to get a treat on their way home from a sporting event. Over the summer you can spot people on their way to or from the beach. In the evening you can see folks on their way home from work. Kids on their bikes and teens and young adults enjoying an ice cream while leaning against their cars making plans for the night.
I drive by at least two of these frozen gems each day. I always have a reason NOT to stop.
– Too many people in line
I don’t need the excess calories or fat
I may stop by later (but never do)
I need to rush home (but usually there is no real reason to rush home)
Now the season is over. Dead leaves blow through their parking lots. The sign in the window “See You In The Spring” begins to fade.
There are only so many summer days and only so many summers left. Stop making excuses. Stop and enjoy and ice cream every once and a while.
I spent more than half the summers of my life going to a sleep away gymnastics camp. Starting off as a camper in the early 1980’s, then a councilor, a coach, assistant director and finishing as the director. I worked under Olympian and gymnastics author DON TONRY. I worked with national team coaches from throughout the world. As a coach I worked with beginners through national team members. As a director I brought together the best coaches from through out the world.
In my more than 30 years at this camp I made life long friends. I fell in love more than once. No matter what happened I knew I could trust these people and they knew I had their back. We did our best with every kid who came to camp. Children who were coming in from their first gymnastics experience to gymnasts who have already competed internationally. Everyone was special.
We had a professional counseling staff to make sure the gymnasts time out of the gym was just as great in the gym. This allowed me to make sure my coaching staff also had a good time. For many of these coaches, this was one of their vacation weeks from their gym. I wanted to treat them well and feel appreciated.
Last night I dreamt about a TOGA party I held for the coaches. I woke up missing all these people. I started thinking of some of the other themed parties I held. An 80’s themed party complete with a DJ. A few times we had a live band play. Even a few bachelor, bachelorette parties! When we wanted a change of scenery we would take a late night hike up to a cliff where the stars were amazing. What I loved about the staff is that they treated others with respect. Things at times got crazy but never out of control.
I thank all of you who were there. Love and Miss each one of you.
Teachers are trained to elevate young minds, not to gun down people wielding assault weapons who burst into their classroom intent on mass murder.
It’s the job of police, who are trained and protected with body armor to confront and stop dangerous people. But it was hard to tell that from the officers in Uvalde, Texas, who dithered outside a classroom at Robb Elementary School last week for more than an hour rather than storm the door and stop the slaughter going on inside. Could they have saved any of the 19 children and two teachers killed if they had acted earlier, as parents urged the officers to do? Instead, police stopped the parents from running into the school to try to save the kids themselves.
It wasn’t the first time that law enforcement personnel trained to save lives in violent situations shirked their duty during a school shooting. In the 2018 killing of 14 students and three adults at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida, eight officers waited outside for at least 10 minutes while the shooting went on inside. One officer later resigned under harsh criticism and another was placed on administrative leave. The school’s armed resource officer — a former deputy sheriff — remained outside for 40 minutes, never entering while the shooting was in progress. He faces trial in September on charges of child neglect resulting in great bodily harm.
So why on earth do some Texas Republicans think that the answer is to arm teachers and administrators?
“We can potentially arm and prepare and train teachers and other administrators to respond quickly,” Texas Atty. Gen. Ken Paxton told Fox News hours after the shooting.
U.S. Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) told reporters last week: “If individual school districts want to train the teachers to use firearms in that situation, then I think that’s something they can consider, ” according to the New Republic.
If the people equipped and trained to protect and serve in dangerous situations can’t be counted on to do either, it’s absurd to think that teachers might do better. They are equipped and trained to explain math, reading and history to students, not stop the deadly gunfire that is plaguing our public schools. In Uvalde, teachers slammed doors shut to protect their students. The two who were shot and killed were reportedly trying to act as body shields for the children in their classrooms.
Fans of arming teachers are ignoring the teachers themselves, who for the most part don’t want anything to do with guns in the classroom. Several states, including Texas, already allow individual school districts to permit teachers to carry guns. Only 300 teachers in Texas have done so — less than one in a thousand. Both the Texas State Teachers Assn. and the National Education Assn., the nation’s largest teachers union, are opposed to arming teachers. A 2019 survey by Cal State Northridge of 2,926 teachers found that 95% said no to the idea. Most teachers believed the situation would make schools more dangerous.
They might well be right. The Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence has tracked nearly 100 cases of guns dangerously mishandled on campuses, including a teacher’s loaded gun falling from his waistband while he performed a cartwheel; a student grabbing an officer’s gun; and a teacher accidentally firing a gun in class during a safety demonstration.
Do these delusional members of the GOP imagine that colleges of education will require handgun training, with weekly target-practice sessions for teachers out on the school playing field? Do they also imagine paying teachers at the same level as police officers, whose higher salaries are justified by the hazards that come with the job?
Let’s not forget that police have bulletproof vests to protect them when encountering people with guns. Teachers, unless they are remarkably quick, agile and terrific shots, would be vulnerable to the first bullet fired as well as the daily stress of trying to ensure that students don’t have access to the classroom gun.
We don’t expect police officers to jump in as substitute teachers on a moment’s notice and explain algebraic theory. It is ludicrous to demand teachers become substitute police officers in the rare event of an active shooter in their school. The job of teachers is to prepare young people for adult life. Let them do that without adding the responsibility of being an “armed officer against mass murderers” to the job description.
I am currently enjoying a vacation at a resort in the Dominican Republic. The food is generally good, the drinks are plentiful, and the staff are very attentive. There are activities to do every day for nearly all vacationers. From pool (or beach) volleyball to bike rides or beach yoga. There are art classes, cooking classes , dance classes, or even Spanish lessons. Most of the time I just sit and read. BUT- I started thinking about things that could take this resort to the next level. At least for me. Think of all the things as adults that we wish we could still do. Why do the kids get to have all the fun? There are so many things which they could offer that would bring out the kid in us. Sure- someone may break a hip, but aren’t the best stories derived from at least questionable decisions.
Here is my list of activities which should be offered at adults only resorts. It seemed like a good idea at the time (Hey guys- watch this!)
Slip n Slide. Nothing too crazy, maybe a slight hill involved. At the end- you go through a “sprinkler” that reapplies sun screen.
Capture the flag. Only the flag is a 20 year old bottle of scotch to be shared by the victors. Super Soaker water gun fights.
Zip lines from your balcony to either the bar or pool.
A water slide to the swim up bar. (Top of the water slide is a bathroom to encourage people to go there and NOT pee in the pool)
Ice cream social. Simvistatin and insulin handed out at end
At Secrets Cap Cana, the lobby and bar are on the 2nd floor. There should be slide that goes down to the ground floor.
An epic game of tag!
What activities would you like to see at a resort?
VACILANDO 