Taken at a Recent

Street Fair in Brooklyn

Thanks to a friend for the pix from a fundraiser.
Edit utilizing PAINNT app. It's kinda funky and kewl.
I like how my hands look.

Daily Quote: “I don’t trust anyone who doesn’t laugh.” – Maya Angelou

PERSONAL NEWS #291

May 1^st – 2^nd, took two sick days from work due to nasty sinus / allergy issues.

May 4^th, I met up with a friend of mine for dinner, and we caught up on news and gossip.

May 5^th, got a much-needed manicure at a salon in my hood.

May 6^th, after work, I had a much-needed 1-hour massage therapy session with Eric at the apt.

May 7^th, after work, I joined a friend in seeing a movie on Tolkien at the cinema.

May 8^th, after work, I attended the productive and informative monthly BFP board members meeting.

May 10^th, after work, I visited the Morgan Library and Museum to see several exhibits and visit the gift shop.

May 12^th, Mom was rushed to ER in the morning with a 100-degree temperature.  Thankfully, the ER was able to assist her, bring down the temperature, and find out it was not Flu nor Pneumonia.  She was able to go home around noontime.  Amen!  Later on, I had dinner with a friend at YUBA and then we saw the film “Avengers Endgame”.  Even better the second time around.

May 13^th, after work, I had a much-needed 1-hour massage therapy session with Eric at the apt.

May 15^th, after work, I jumped on the conference call with BFP fundraising committee regarding an upcoming event in early June.

May 16^th, after work, I attended the event [How to Deal with a Complainer] at the 92^nd Street YMCA.

May 18^th, after getting a much-needed manicure, I headed up to the NY Botanical Gardens via Metro North.  Weather was a lovely, sunny spring day.  Afterwards, I jumped back on the train to the city, and visited a friend so that she could get my measurements for my HP Hogwarts robes.

May 19^th, I volunteered with BFP at the annual Fabulous 5^th Avenue street fair on another lovely spring day.  BFP tables at the street fair every year and we did well.

May 20^th, after work, I had a much-needed 1-hour massage therapy session with Eric at the apt.

May 23^rd to 27^th, I visited with Mom over the Memorial Day weekend. Prep work on Thursday for Dad’s funeral services on the 24^th.  The day of Dad’s services was overcast and abit cool.  After Mom and I got our hair done at the salon, we had breakfast at Country Gals Cafe, changed into our “funeral outfits”, picked up two friends and headed to the cemetery near Saratoga.  Many friends and relatives joined us.  The free military services were nicely conducted, and Dad’s urn was placed in a special “compartment”.  Afterwards, we joined others at the American Legion for food, drink and eulogy’s.  Mom’s brother and sister-in-law stayed with us through 26^th.  It was great seeing them.  Road trip around southwestern VT, breakfast at Benson’s, shopping, errands, chores, gardening, relaxation, reading, cable tv, etc.  Overall a good weekend.

May 29^th, after work, I had a much-needed 1-hour massage therapy session with Eric at the apt.

May 31^st, after work, I went to see “Avengers Endgame” for a third time at the cinema.

Reflections on Day of my Father’s Funeral Services

Several days have passed since my father’s funeral services on Friday, May 24th, at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery.  Many speculative thoughts leading up to it, as well as the day itself, plus reflections since then.  Commit to setting it all down while still relatively fresh in my mind.

I must confess that leading up to that day, well, I had a several concerns and anxieties.  No need to go into elaborate detail regarding it all.  Suffice to say, I was anxious about conducting the eulogy with decorum, compassion, abit of humor and hopefully not too much emotion.  Regarding that last bit, yeah, it came striding in from left field.  BAM!  Overall, I was informed after that I did well, and helped along with some humor from my brother.

With Mom’s assistance, we pulled together an array of items to display at the American Legion related to my father.  This we accomplished on the afternoon of May 23^rd.  The morning of the 24^th, after not sleeping well during the night, we headed to the salon to be nicely coiffed.  [Thank you so much to Gail and Carrie.]  Afterwards, Mom and I enjoyed a delicious breakfast at Country Gals Café, then head home to attire ourselves in funeral outfits.  I wore a tasteful ensemble of navy Land’s End jacket, white blouse, and a navy skirt with a floral design.  Mom was nicely clothed in black with a white cardigan to keep her warm, as the weather was overcast and cool.

We picked up Sue Hohn and Sue Jacobson; whom I refer to as Mom’s step daughters, as they have been so supportive and helpful over the past few years.  We dropped off some food items at the American Legion. Then drove over to the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery for the services.  Arrived at the cemetery entrance by 1pm and witnessed another funeral procession in progress.

The highlight for me, while waiting to start the funeral procession, was reconnecting with my cousin David, his wife Liv and my childhood friend Linda.  Reflecting upon it all brings a warm, happy glow inside.  While waiting for our “funeral procession” to begin around 2pm I spoke with Jim [funeral parlor director], Vinny [ordained minister], plus assorted relatives and friends.  Mom also had to fill out and sign necessary paperwork for the cemetery.  Delightful to see everyone, plus a good turnout that would of made my father happy.

After the funeral procession of vehicles, we congregated in the stone gazebo structure for the military services.  [On a side note; was I calm throughout the day, not really, just my usual high-spirited self  J ]  I assisted my brother Duane in placing our fathers Army dog tags with the urn.  The first segment was the “military services”, which were beautifully conducted by the Army, and quite emotional.  [I was impressed by the flag folding ceremony.]  My father served in the Army during the mid-1950s and stationed in Germany.  The second segment was the “religious services” conducted by Vinny Spiezio.  Nicely done and he got abit emotional twice.  After that, several of us followed the “urn” to the “wall” were it was interred, along with his dog tags.  Everyone else headed to the American Legion for food, drink, conversation, socializing and memorial segment.

On the drive back to the American Legion, we made a “pit stop” to utilize restrooms.  We arrived at the American Legion around 3:30pm along with my Uncle Bill and his wife Claire.  [They were staying with us for two days.]  Everyone was partaking of the potluck / buffet table, engaging in conversation and socializing.  Working with two others, I arranged the “display items” regarding my father, so that our guests could view it all.  Many photos, framed items, “Talk of the Town” interview, 80^th birthday scrapbook and a booklet of his colorings.

After socializing abit, and nibbling on some food, Vinny and I gave our “eulogies” for my father.  The guests were great and well-received Vinny’s terrific eulogy.  We finally wrapped up the gathering around 5:30pm.  Hugs were exchanged during the partings, as well as thanking everyone deeply for attending.  Closure, regarding my father, was for the most part completed.  There is still the sprinkling of some ashes to be undertaken this summer in our ole hometown.  Rest in Peace. . . . . 

Charlene’s Eulogy for her Father

Good Afternoon!  Thank you all so much in being here today.  It means a lot, not only to myself, but also to my Mom and Duane, as well as the family.  I can just imagine Dad taking a break from bowling, drinking a cold beer, and BSing with his friends while gazing down upon this scene.  What would he be thinking?  Sentiments?  What the heck moment?  We can ponder on that later.

In the meantime, many thanks to all who sent Mom, Duane and I lovely sympathy cards.  They were all so deeply touching.  One of those sympathy cards, sent to me in late January, was from a Pound Ridge NY resident whom I reconnected with last year.  I would like to share Laurie Bathrick’s special note with you all.

Dear Charlene;

When Katherine told me of your Dad’s passing my eyes filled with tears.  He was such a fun-loving man, much the same as my Dad.  I remembered us racing around the back roads of Pound Ridge with your Dad at the wheel.  I guess he was always a Stock Car racer at heart.

As I think of him along with my Father and Katherine’s Grandpa, I realize that the men of his generation were a special breed.  Stronger, more outspoken, and just plain full of the devil.  Maybe it was growing up in the Depression and World War II that made them the men they were.  I know one thing for sure, we will miss them and they will live in us forever.

You will think of him often, and remember his words of advice, as I do with my Dad.  In time, this will be a great comfort to you, as it is to me now.  You are in my thoughts and prayers always.

Sincerely, Laurie

That warm, kind note is definitely worth keeping.  I shared the part about “stock car racer” with the Marshall family, who are here today.  The part that continues to resonate with me, is regarding “the men of his generation were a special breed”.  Those of you, here today, born during the Great Depression and World War II are, along with my father, one of a kind.

Peace be with you. . . . .

In Loving Memory of William F. Barker
Sept 8th 1935 to Dec 30th 2018

I’d like the memory of me to be a happy one,
I’d like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done.
I’d like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways,
Of happy times and laughing time and bright and sunny days.
I’d like the tears of those who grieve, to dry before the sun.
Of happy memories that I leave when life is done.

(Many thanks to Jim Gariepy Funeral Home of Cambridge NY in providing those “cards” for the family, relatives and friends who attended on the services on May 24th.)

Daily Quote: "We must live with vibrant hope. Nothing is stronger than hope. The Mystic Law is itself eternal hope. Happiness belongs to those who never despair, no matter what happens." - Daisaku Ikeda, Buddhist SGI President

 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