Can you go home again?

Being back in New Jersey, the land of my adolescence, has been an interesting experience. While my parents now live in a house that I never did, there is still so much that is familiar about being back here.

With that in mind, I went to visit an old haunt from my high school days. The Inkwell was this total dive place tucked away along the Shore. The menu included items like celery with peanut butter, toasted pound cake and Russian coffee. The lighting was always poor, so sometimes you wouldn't recognize anyone until you were right on top of them. I remember once going there with a group of friends, and we left the check with our money to be paid by Judy Malik. But on the way out, she saw someone she knew and stopped to chat. The rest of us left, but found ourselves chased by a big guy with a baseball bat who thought we were dine-and-dashing. Ah, the wonderful memories of the the Inkwell.

That place is gone forever. Here it is today, all well lit, with friendly staff, and more of a diner menu. You can still find celery and peanut butter, but its buried, as if they are embarrassed by their past. So shameful!

Luckily, other encounters with my past have been much more pleasant. Armen McOmber and I went to high school together ages ago. Since graduation, we had some contact in the earlier years, then a break, until our last meeting at the wedding of another high school friend, Karla (Nemeth) Dawson. That was seven years ago. But I got the chance to have dinner with Armen last night.

Armen, and his lovely, charming wife, Nathalie, invited me to their home for some wine, and then showed me the wonders of the Red Bank culinary scene. Over the hours, we talked about old times, current plans, (this section has been deleted on the request of consul), the wonder of Trader Joe's, and how in so many ways, we really haven't changed that much. We also discussed the expected arrival of a baby girl in the next few months, and I think she is very lucky to have such great people as parents. Thanks for a great time, Armen and Nathalie, and I hope we get to repeat the experience again soon!

Can you believe we graduated high school ?? years ago?

Nicole gets hitched!

One of my dearest friends, Nicole Younts, became Nicole O'Neill in a beautiful ceremony in Virginia. She and Dave are the greatest couple, and I was so glad I got to be there to see them get married.

I didn't think I'd know many people at the wedding, since I know Nicole from California, but once there, I realized I knew more people than I expected. Here is an action shot of Nicole's new and former boss. Are they fighting over her, or dancing together? Who knows...

Thanks for a great day, Nicole! I had such a great time, and I can't wait to catch up with you soon!

NYC with the folks

NY Theatre? Absolutely! A musical with an all star cast? Even better! NYC on the hottest day of the summer (in my estimation, anyway) when the subways are flooded out and buses are completely full meaning a 20 block walk to Times Square? Hmm...

The folks and I recently went to NYC to experience theatre in the form of "Curtains - The Musical Comedy starring David Hyde Pierce." It was a really fun play, in a mercifully air conditioned theatre. According to my parents, that was the only comfortable thing about the theatre, but I think we all enjoyed it regardless.

We decided to chance it on the subway for the commute home, by way of Jersey City where my Dad works, and where the car was waiting for us.

My Dad had his commuter face on, which means "let's get the hell of out here" which is why all we see of him in the picture is his back. But Mom is always ready for a photo-op.

The view from Jersey City, sadly without the WTC. I still miss it.

This was from an earlier trip to NYC, but I love this bridge, so here it is. For you West Coasters, this is the Brooklyn Bridge.

The Big Apple - Samantha Style

My friend, Samantha, lives life large. She makes NYC her daily playground, but has been known to venture out to the most exotic locales, when the price and shopping strikes her interest. I've even been able to come along with her on occasion.

She is also the finest connoisseur of Half Marathons I've ever known. This past weekend was the NY half marathon, and Samantha invited me to the city the day before to visit with her and some of her friends. Although I wasn't signed up for the race, I was able to finish 2/3 of their triatholon: Shopping and Margaritas!

Samantha and Mandy from the Marriott Marquis Lounge, overlooking Times Square.

Mandy and Samantha enjoying the world famous "Mango Margarita" at Mama Mexico.

Refill, please!

Mandy, Samantha and Kim the night before the big race. You go, girls!

Samantha tells us that she will be retiring from the Half Marathon circuit next year, downgrading herself to "support staff." As someone who would never have gotten involved with half marathons without her involvement, I'd like to go on record as saying I object! Sure, she's up to 8 of these races a year, and that seems like a lot, but think of all the great places she's seen. San Francisco, Virginia Beach, Pittsburgh... How can she give all that up?

Viva...Altantic City!

Mom and I took a trip down to Altantic City, NJ. My first time there, as a matter of fact, and it was great fun. There aren't many pictures of our trip, since casinos frown on picture taking, but the few I did take show what a beautiful place it is.


Its a little bit like Las Vegas, but not so big, and its right on the ocean! So, in Jersey, that means a boardwalk!

Mom and I spent an afternoon walking the boards. But then, we felt the allure of the "Wheel of Fortune" slot machine once more, and it was back to the casino! Mom had some early wins, and made it look so easy that I was frankly shocked when I didn't win also. Isn't that what people do when they gamble? Win?