NY Botanical Gardens

Saturday, May 18th

Daily Quote: “The ability to observe without evaluating is the highest form of intelligence.” - Krishnamurti

 Glorious Tulips

Brooklyn Botanical Garden

April 27th

 Soh Daiku Drummers

Annual Cherry Blossom Festival

Brooklyn Botanical Garden

PERSONAL NEWS #290

April 1^st, after work, I had a much-needed 1.5-hour massage therapy session with Eric at the apt.

April 2^nd, after work, I stopped by Staples to get a project started for my father’s funeral in May.

April 4^th, I had lunch with two acquaintances at COSI and caught up on news, gossip and HP convention stuff.

April 6^th / 7^th, I visited with Mom in upstate NY to assist with chores, errands, furniture shopping, groceries and dining out with friends.

April 8^th, after work, I had a much-needed 1.5-hour massage therapy session with Eric at the apt.

April 9^th, I had to work late to monitor my bosses meeting and be on a conference call with BFP Arts and Culture Collective.

April 10^th, after work, I attended the monthly BFP board members meeting, which was interesting and productive.

April 11^th, after work, I participated in the monthly BFP Fundraising committee conference call.

April 12^th, after work, I went to see free “Theatre in the Park” at 6pm.  It was the wonderfully brilliant actress Fiona Shaw reciting “The Waste Land” by TS Elliott.  Afterwards, I joined some friends for a birthday dinner party at “Pie by the Pound” pizzeria.

April 13^th, I caught up on errands, chores, shopping and laundry.

April 14^th, I visited the ugly modernism of Hudson Yards before enjoying a leisurely walk along The Highline.  Afterwards, back in my hood, I enjoyed a delicious late lunch at The Jungle Café.

April 15^th, after work, I had a much-needed 1.5-hour massage therapy session with Eric at the apt.

April 16^th, after work, I enjoyed a delicious dinner with a friend of mine at the PeaceFood Café near University Place.

April 17^th, after work, I got a much-needed manicure and did laundry.

April 18^th, after work, I picked up the completed Staples project I had requested for my father’s colorings.  Well worth the money, as it turned out nice.

April 19^th to 21^st, I visited with Mom over the Easter holiday weekend in upstate NY.  We completed many errands, chores, groceries, shopping and dining out with friends.  In addition, my brother and sister-in-law visited on Saturday, so that we could speak with the minister officiating at Dad’s “services” in May.

April 22^nd, after work, I had a much-needed 1.5-hour massage therapy session with Eric at the apt.

April 23^rd, after work, I attended one of the monthly SGI Buddhist meetings in my hood.

April 24^th, after work, I attended the productive and informative monthly BFP PEJ committee meeting.

April 25^th, during lunch break, I had an appt with my acupuncturist for treatment.  After work, I got a much-needed pedicure in my hood.

April 26^th, after work, I shopped at the farmers market in Union Square, and then picked up a few DVDs at B&N.  Then off to the SGI Buddhist Center for a half hour of chanting.

April 27^th, around 12pmish I joined a good friend at the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens for the annual Cherry Blossom Festival.  Weather was windy and cool, but still enjoyable.  Back in my hood; I did grocery shopping, laundry and cleaners.

April 28^th, at 3pm I joined a good friend in seeing “Avengers – Endgame” in the cinema.  The end of an era and it was an amazing 3-hour epic film filled with laughter, action, tears and so much more.  Afterwards, we had dinner at a diner to discuss the movie and politics.

April 29^th, met up with a friend at lunch-time to talk about “Endgame” and Awesome Con.  After work, I had a much-needed 1.5-hour massage therapy session with Eric at the apt.

Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar … Drinking Bragg’s unfiltered apple cider vinegar can help lower blood sugar levels. By its very nature, ACV can regulate healthy blood sugar levels in the body, which is great for those with Type Two Diabetes. Apple cider vinegar can increase the good cholesterol, so you maintain a healthy heart and cardiovascular system.  Other benefits can be found here .... https://barrierislandorganics.com/ten-acv-benefits/ … Every day I put a teaspoon of ACV into my smoothie or my glass of homemade organic fruit infused water.

 Springtime in Upstate NY

Easter Weekend

Daily Quote: “At the core of our humanity, we all have the same needs.” – Marshall Rosenberg

 Duchess Living Room

Organized / Sorted / Cleaned

PERSONAL NEWS #289

March 2^nd, I headed up to the NY Botanical Gardens with a good friend to view the annual Orchid Show.  As always, it was lovely to see, and less crowds due to the snow fall.  In addition, I ran into an ex-boss and his wife.  We had a wonderful chat about ole times.  Made purchases at the gift shop.  Afterwards, back in my hood, I enjoyed a delicious dinner at The Jungle Café.

March 3^rd, I got a much-needed manicure, and then grocery shopping before doing laundry.

March 4^th, after work, I had a much-needed 1.5-hour massage therapy session with Eric at the apt, as my lower back was bothering me.

March 5^th, after work, I visited with my friend who has been taking care of my taxes for 20+ years.  After I treated him to dinner, we got to work on the taxes, and the outcome is I owe Fed/State.  Damn you 2017 Tax Plan!

March 6^th, after work, I attended the productive monthly BFP Fundraising committee meeting.

March 9^th, I joined a good friend in going to see the film “Captain Marvel”, and we both enjoyed it a lot.  Afterwards, we strolled down 42^nd Street to have dinner at Ollies.

March 10^th, I treated myself to a much-needed pedicure and manicure after doing some laundry.

March 11^th, after work, I had a much-needed 1.5-hour massage therapy session with Eric at the apt.

March 12^th, after work, I attended our second monthly BFP Arts & Culture Collective conference call.

March 13^th, after work, I had a much-needed chiropractor appt for my neck, back and lumbar region.  At home, I jumped on the monthly BFP board members meeting / call.

March 14^th, after work, I joined three friends for dinner and conversation at The Cauldron down in the Wall Street area.  It was a fun, enjoyable evening.

March 16^th / 17^th, visit with Mom in upstate NY to help with errands, chores, grocery shopping and dining out at our favorite restaurants.

March 18^th, after work, I had a much-needed 1.5-hour massage therapy session with Eric at the apt.

March 21^st and 22^nd, worked late at the office until 8pm due to back-to-back meetings and other duties.

March 23^rd, I took care of many errands, chores, groceries and laundry, plus more “spring cleaning” of apt.

March 24^th, after I received a much-needed manicure, I headed into Manhattan for the annual “Tolkien Reading Day” held at Simple Studios.  A decent turnout, many good readings and afterwards a few of us went to dinner on 7^th Avenue to a nice Japanese restaurant.

March 25^th, after work, I had a much-needed 1.5-hour massage therapy session with Eric at the apt.

March 26^th, during my lunch hour, I had an appt with a new acupuncturist in my office bldg.

March 27^th, after work, I attended a BFP forum called “War and the Green Economy” with keynote speaker Medea Benjamin of CodePink.

March 29^th, after work, I joined three friends at the Morgan Library and Museum to see the wonderful Tolkien exhibit.  Visited the gift shop and then we had a tasty dinner at a local diner sprinkled with fun conversation.

March 30^th / 31^st, I finished up with the spring cleaning; plus assorted chores, errands, grocery shopping, laundry and attending a SGI Buddhist meeting.

 Celebrated Tolkien Reading Day

Sunday, March 24th

 Wonderful Readings

Dinner w/Friends

 NYBG Annual Orchid Show

Saturday, March 2nd

WW1 Book / History Note:  I have had a fascination concerning WW1 since my high school days.  One of my history teachers conveyed total lack of respect for this significant era in world history.  He could wait to talk about the horrors of WW2.  I remember calling him out on this travesty and was promptly sent to the principal’s office. 

WW1 caused the downfall of four monarchies: Germany, Turkey, Austria-Hungary and Russia.  Due to the cruel methods used during the war and the losses suffered, WW1 caused a lot of bitterness among nations, which also greatly contributed to WW2 decades later.  After WW1, the world changed drastically. One of the ways it changed was economical.  Most of Europe got a big debt after the war including Germany and Russia. One of the only countries to come out of the war richer was the USA because they did not get involved right away.  During WW1 (1914-1918), large numbers of women were recruited into jobs vacated by men who had gone to fight in the war. New jobs were also created as part of the war effort, for example in munitions factories.  Many changes happened within the arts, music, business, travel and society.  It has been stated that the 20^th Century really came into being with the onset of WW1.

Below are books I own on the topic of WW1.  I highly recommend them all.

·         Dreadnought by Robert K. Massie

·         The Guns of August by Barbara W. Tuchman

·         The Great Silence by Juliet Nicolson

·         1915 – The Death of Innocence by Lyn Macdonald

·         The First World War by John Keegan

·         1913 – An End and a Beginning by Virginia Cowles

·         The First Air War / 1914-1918 by Lee Kennett

·         To End All Wars by Adam Hochschild

·         The Great Way & Modern Memory by Paul Fussell

·         Some Desperate Glory – The First World War the Poets Knew by Max Egremont

·         War Horse by Michael Morpurgo

·         1913 – In Search of the World Before the Great War by Charles Emmerson

·         The Beauty & the Sorrow – An Intimate History of the First World War by Peter Englund

·         Tolkien and the Great War by John Garth

·         Silent Night: The Story of the WW1 Christmas Truce – by Stanley Weintraub

The divine Ms Leanna Renee Hieber

WORD bookstore on February 28th

PERSONAL NEWS #288

Feb 2^nd, after taking care of errands and chores, I had a 1.5-hour massage therapy session with Eric at the apt. Then grocery shopping, laundry and pick up a framed print.

Feb 3^rd, I took care of more laundry before heading into Manhattan for dinner [Nanoosh] and movies with friends.  Delicious vegan dinner and then off to see the documentary “They Shall Not Grow Old” regarding WW1.  Brilliantly done with amazing commentary.  Highly recommend seeing it.

Feb 7^th, after work, I visited the Disney store in Times Square to pick up belated Christmas gifties for a friend of the family.  Then visited the MAC cosmetic store for some much-needed items.

Feb 8^th, after work, I had a 1.5-hour massage therapy session with Eric at the apt.

Feb 9^th, after my housekeeper took care of my apt, I tended to errands and chores.

Feb 10^th, after getting a much-needed manicure, I headed into Manhattan for a delicious dinner with a friend at Yuba.  A terrific little Japanese restaurant on East 9^th Street.  Afterwards, we went to see the film “Aquaman” at the cinema.

Feb 12^th, after work, I attended the new monthly BFP Arts & Culture Collective meeting.  Six of the seven members attended and it was a productive, interesting meeting.

Feb 14^th, I treated a friend of mine to a belated birthday lunch, and we caught up on news / gossip.

Feb 15^th to 17^th, I visited with Mom in upstate NY for a long weekend to help with errands, chores, groceries, banking, dining out and sorting through things in the house.

Feb 18^th, our office was closed for Presidents Day, and I took care of doctor appts.  In the evening, I had a 1.5-hour massage therapy session with Eric at the apt.

Feb 19^th, after work, I attended the monthly SGI discussion meeting in a member’s lovely duplex apt on Humboldt Street.  It felt good to reconnect with other Nichiren Buddhist followers and the chanting was uplifting.

Feb 20^th, at lunch, I had a follow-up eye doctor appt and all went well.  After work, I jumped on the monthly BFP Fundraising committee meeting/conference call.

Feb 21^st, at lunch, I had a follow-up foot doctor appt, and may need orthotics for my shoes.

Feb 22^nd, after work, I met up with a good friend of mine to see the wonderful Tolkien exhibit at The Morgan Library and Museum.

Feb 24^th, I had a much-needed acupuncturist appt in Chinatown to take care of my lungs and lower back.

Feb 25^th, after work, I had a much-needed 1.5-hour massage therapy session with Eric at the apt, as my lower back was bothering me.

Feb 26^th, after work, I did volunteer computer work at the WCW office.

Feb 27^th, after work, I had a much-needed chiropractor appt for my neck, back and lumbar region.

Feb 28^th, after work, I attended Leanna Renee Hieber’s book event at WORD bookstore in my hood.  Picked up two of her books; which is in the gothic Victorian fantasy genre.  Ran into some good friends at the book event and always a pleasure chatting with Leanna.  Afterwards, I had dinner at The Jungle Café with my friend TJ.

A Selfie of Moi

Wearing Victorian Hat with Veils

Edit with PAINNT app

SOCIALISM

I have been thinking upon this topic lately. Some folk, over the years, tell me that they dislike Socialism. That they never want to see it come to this country. And yet, it is here in many different ways. Socialism is taxpayer funds being used collectively to benefit society as a whole, despite income, contribution, or ability. Does this sound horrible? Here is the thing about Socialism, which you have been told to fear all your life, is responsible for the following. Military/Defense, Highways/Roads, Public Libraries, Police, Fire Depts, Postal Service, Student Loans and Grants, Bridges, Garbage Collection, Public Landfills, War, Farm Subsidies, CIA, FBI, Congressional Healthcare, Polio Vaccine, EPA, Social Security, Museums, Public Schools, Prison System, Business Subsidies, VA Healthcare, Public Parks, All Elected Government Officials, Food Stamps, Sewer System, Medicare, Court System, Bird Flu Vaccine, G.I. Bill, Hoover Dam, State/City Zoos, IRS, Free Lunch Programs, The Pentagon, Medicaid, FDA, Healthcare for 9/11 Rescue Workers, Swine Flu Vaccine, SSDI, Town/State Run Beaches, Corporate Bailouts, State Construction, Unemployment Insurance, City/Metro Buses, WIC, State Snow Removal, PBS, CDC, Public Street Lighting, FEMA, Public Defenders, NPR, Homeland Security, OSHA, State/National Monuments and soooo much more. We Americans rely on so many things and/or take it for granted. Every single day. So, tell me, how do you feel about Socialism now?

 A Sampling of my

late Father's Colorings

PERSONAL NEWS #287

Jan 1^st, Mom and I spent the afternoon visiting with my brother and his wife in the Schenectady area.

Jan 2^nd, I took Mom to breakfast at Benson’s for a New Year’s treat.  Then it was off to attend to many errands / chores before heading back to NYC.

Jan 3^rd, after work, I joined other friends / acquaintances at the Rail Line diner to celebrate the 127^th birthday of Professor Tolkien.

Jan 5^th, I had a 1.5-hour massage therapy session with Eric at the apt.  Ongoing therapy for my back, neck, legs and lungs.  Afterwards, I joined a good friend in Manhattan to see “Aquaman” at the cinema.  We both enjoyed the film, and then, we went to dinner at Dallas BBQ.

Jan 6^th, I went out to lunch with a good friend to The Jungle Café, and while there, we exchanged Christmas gifties.  We caught up on news and gossip while enjoying delicious vegan food.

Jan 7^th, after work, I got a much-needed pedicure in my hood, and chatted with a friend on the phone about her job interview.

Jan 9^th, after work, I attended a wonderful event at the NY Historical Society called “An Evening with Jim Dale”.  Jim talked about his early days in entertainment / theater, plus what it was like to record all seven of the Harry Potter audio books.  He looked and sounded great.

Jan 11^th, after work, I had a 1.5-hour massage therapy session with Eric at the apt.  Ongoing therapy for my back, neck, legs and lungs.

Jan 15^th, after work, I attended the informative and productive monthly BFP PEJ committee meeting.

Jan 16^th, after work, I attended the productive monthly BFP Fundraising committee meeting.

Jan 17^th, after work, I got a much-needed manicure

Jan 18^th, after work, I had a 1.5-hour massage therapy session with Eric at the apt.  Ongoing therapy for my back, neck, legs and lungs.

Jan 19^th, I took care of many errands, chores, groceries and laundry.

Jan 20^th, I went to see the excellent film “Green Book” with a good friend.  I highly recommend it.  Afterwards, we had a tasty dinner at Ollie’s on West 42^nd Street off 9^th Avenue.

Jan 22^nd, after work, I attended the monthly SGI Kent district discussion meeting on Bedford Avenue.  It has been quite some time since I last attended a meeting.  It felt good to reconnect with other Nichiren Buddhist followers and the chanting was uplifting.

Jan 25^th to 27^th, I visited with Mom in upstate NY for a long weekend to help with errands, chores, groceries, CLR, dining out with friends and sorting through things in the house.

Jan 29^th, I attended the Fred Pryor seminar “Excel – Beyond the Basics” training.  Afterwards, I headed down to the office for about 3 hours to catch up on work.

Daily Quote: “The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

PERSONAL NEWS #286

Dec 1^st, I had a 1.5-hour massage therapy session with Eric at the apt.  Ongoing therapy for my back, neck, legs and lungs.  Afterwards, I joined two friends of mine visiting from Canada, and we went to The Jungle Café for dinner in my hood.  Then back to my apt for dessert and tea.

Dec 2^nd, I attended the second annual JRR Tolkien Silmarillion panel discussion at Simple Studios.  Afterwards, I went out to dinner with three other friends to Rin Thai Cuisine restaurant on West 23^rd Street.

Dec 5^th, after work, I got a much-needed manicure, and then ordered catering from The Jungle Café for an upcoming dinner party.

Dec 6^th, after work, I attended the annual “Pathmakers to Peace” event at Plymouth Church and hosted by Brooklyn for Peace.  I was able to speak briefly with Congresswoman Clarke and Velasquez.

Dec 7^th, after work, I had a 1.5-hour massage therapy session with Eric at the apt.  Ongoing therapy for my back, neck, legs and lungs.

Dec 9^th, I hosted my annual holiday gathering at my humble apt with several good friends.  We enjoyed the delicious food catered by The Jungle Café while talking on many topics, one of which was current politics.

Dec 13^th, I learned from Mom that Dad is back in the hospital in southwestern VT with some heart troubles.  After work, I went to the gift stores in GCS to purchase items for the holidays.

Dec 14^th, the office holiday gathering was held at Chelsea Piers with food, drink and bowling.  Afterwards, I had a 1.5-hour massage therapy session with Eric at the apt.  Ongoing therapy for my back, neck, legs and lungs.

Dec 15^th to 16^th, I visited with Mom in upstate NY, as Dad is back in the hospital with heart issues.

Dec 18^th, I took a friend out for a holiday lunch, and we talked about the film “The Crimes of Grindervald”.  After work, I ventured up to the Union Square Holiday Market, and purchased a few goodies.  Then it was off to the SGI Cultural Center to do some serious chanting and attend a free lecture.

Dec 19^th, after work, I attended the annual BCF [board members] holiday dinner party at Rocco’s.

Dec 22^nd to 25^th, I visited with Mom in upstate NY.  In addition, we saw Dad every day at the CLR and went out for meals on several occasions.  I took care of errands, chores, shopping and watching cable tv.

Dec 27^th, after work, I got a much-needed manicure.

Dec 28^th, after work, I had a 1.5-hour massage therapy session with Eric at the apt.  Ongoing therapy for my back, neck, legs and lungs.

Dec 29^th, I joined my friend Margaret and we went to see the film “Mary Poppins Returns”.  It was enjoyable, though we did not care for the five-minute segment with Meryl Streep.  Visited the Bryant Park Holiday Market and the soon to be closed Lord & Taylor.

Dec 30^th, at 7am I received a phone call from the CLR stating that my father had passed away in his sleep.  We knew this was coming down the turnpike, but still, when hearing it is so upsetting.  Change of plans for that day; plus many phone calls and texting to family / friends.  A good friend of mine drove me upstate NY to my parents’ house.  Mom and I took care of things at the funeral parlor.  We got some Chinese food for dinner and my friend stayed overnight.

Dec 31^st, my good friend took me to the car rental place, as well as the CLR to pick up my father’s belongings.  Rest of the day Mom and I sorted through paperwork and more calls.  Spent the evening watching movies on cable tv until midnight.

It is with heavy heart that I announce my father, Bill Barker, passed away in his sleep on Sunday, Dec 30th, at 6:30am. I keep telling myself, through the tears, that my father is in a better place and no longer in pain.  Rest in Peace "Wild Thing".

 Visit with Brother

and Sister-in-Law

New Year's Day

 Oakwood Cemetery

New Year's Day

Troy NY

 Xmas Weekend with the Parents

Upstate NY

PERSONAL NEWS #285

Nov 2^nd, I had lunch with a friend and we talked about his recent Disney cruise to Bermuda.

Nov 3^rd / 4^th, I visited the parents in upstate NY to take care of some documents and legal issues.  In addition, take care of errands and have brunch with friends on Sunday.

Nov 5^th, after work, I attended the monthly BFP PEJ committee meeting in Brooklyn Heights.

Nov 6^th, before heading to work, I went to my local polling station to vote.  After work, I had a 1.5-hour massage therapy session with Eric at the apt.  Ongoing therapy for my back, neck, legs and lungs.

Nov 7^th, after work, I got a much-needed manicure.

Nov 9^th, after work, I headed uptown to WCW office, and volunteered with updating data for their system.

Nov 10^th to 12^th, I visited with friends in Salem MA, plus the PEM to see the “Empresses of China’s Forbidden City” exhibit.  In addition, an enjoyable day trip to Boston to go on a fascinating walking tour and several exhibits at the Museum of Fine Arts.  I stayed at the delightful Northey Street House B&B, which I highly recommend, and a delicious dinner at The Tavern in the Hawthorne Inn.

Nov 13^th, after work, I had a 1.5-hour massage therapy session with Eric at the apt.  Ongoing therapy for my back, neck, legs and lungs.

Nov 14^th, after work, I briefly stopped by the BFP “community event” at The Commons to drop off documents and talk with other board members.  Then onto The Garden to discuss their advert for BFP event journal.

Nov 15^th, after work, I took Uber car service home, as the weather was so bad with heavy, wet snow.  Roads were difficult for driving and walking.  Wait time for Uber was 30 minutes and the ride home about an hour.  Compared to others my commute was easy.

Nov 17^th, after taking care of assorted errands and chores, I got a much-needed pedicure, plus phone calls with friends.

Nov 19^th, after work, I had a 1.5-hour massage therapy session with Eric at the apt.  Ongoing therapy for my back, neck, legs and lungs.

Nov 21^st, after work, I joined some friends at the cinema to see the latest “Fantastic Beasts” movie.

Nov 22^nd, this is my 12^th year in doing volunteer work with ProjectFind on Thanksgiving Day.

Nov 23^rd to 25^th, I visited with the parents in upstate NY for the holiday weekend.  Breakfast on Saturday and Sunday with friends of the family.  Errands and hair salon appt completed.  Watched holiday movies on cable telly.

Nov 28^th, after work, I attended the monthly BFP fundraising committee meeting regarding the upcoming “Pathmakers to Peace” event in December.

Nov 30^th, at work, we had “game night” in our boardroom, and the staff had a fun time playing Uno, Jenga and Pictionary.