PERSONAL NEWS #295

Sept 3^rd, after work, I had a visit from our SGI Kent district representative to assist me with writing my “Buddhist Intro” for upcoming “discussion meeting”.

Sept 5^th, after work, I headed to Bryant Park to hang out with some friends at the weekly Thursday “tea party gathering and discussion”.  It was very enjoyable, and the tea and fresh baked goodies are delicious.

Sept 7^th, I went to see the film “The Lion King” in the cinema with a friend and then dinner afterwards at Ollie’s on 42^nd Street.  Enjoyed the film and the visuals.

Sept 8^th, after a much-needed 1-hour massage therapy session with Eric at the apt, I headed into the city for dinner at PeaceFood Café with a friend who was visiting from Michigan.

Sept 10^th, after work, I went to see my beloved NY Mets play baseball against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Citifields.  They won the game at 3 – 2 final score.  WooHoo!

Sept 11^th, after work, I attended the productive and informative monthly BFP board members meeting.

Sept 13^th, after work, I headed to my fav MAC makeup store upgrade my products and get a demo.  It was fun.

Sept 14^th, after completing several errands and chores, I treated myself to a much-needed manicure and pedicure.

Sept 15^th, I spent the afternoon up at the NY Botanical Gardens in the Bronx on a lovely, sunny day.

Sept 16^th, after work, I had a much-needed 1-hour massage therapy session with Eric at the apt.

Sept 17^th, after work, I attended the monthly SGI Kent district discussion meeting, and I gave the “intro”.  It was great to have two fellow BFP members at the meeting for support.

Sept 18^th, after work, I attended the productive monthly BFP fundraising committee meeting at Ken’s apt.

Sept 20^th, I had lunch with a friend of mine on Broad Street.  It felt good to sit out in the sunshine.

Sept 21^st, after completing many errands, I visited the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens on a lovely sunny day.  Afterwards, I stopped by friends apt for tea, and a chat.

Sept 22^nd, I went to see the film “Downton Abbey” with friends and we loved the film.  Afterwards, I met up with acquaintances for drinks at PHD off Broadway.

Sept 24^th, after work, I had a much-needed 1-hour massage therapy session with Eric at the apt.

Sept 25^th, after work, I got a much-needed manicure in my hood.

Sept 28^th, I took care of errands, chores, shopping at Costco and four loads of laundry.  Whew!

Sept 29^th, I volunteered with Brooklyn for Peace at the annual Atlantic Antic street fair.  Afterwards, I walked to Trader Joe’s to purchase groceries.

 Atlantic Antic

Annual Street Fair

Volunteered with Brooklyn for Peace

Daily Quote: “Hate, it has caused a lot of problems in the world, but has not solved one yet.” – Maya Angelou

 Brooklyn Botanical Gardens

Saturday / Sept 21st

Attended a NY Mets Game

Tuesday / Sept 10th

Sunday / Sept 22nd

Saw "Downton Abbey"

with Friends

 Visiting Bayshore on LI

Sunday / August 25th

Daily Quote: “Your hardest times often lead to the greatest moments of your life. Keep going. Tough situations build strong people in the end.” – Roy T. Bennett

Daily Quote:  “Do what you can with all you have, wherever you are.” – Theodore Roosevelt

PERSONAL NEWS #294

August 2^nd to 4^th, I enjoyed a three-day weekend getaway to Washington DC for arts and culture enjoyment.  [Some photos from the trip below]

August 5^th, after work, I had a much-needed 1-hour massage therapy session with Eric at the apt.

August 8^th, after work, I attended the monthly SGI Buddhist Toso meeting in my hood.

August 9^th, during my lunch hour I enjoyed hanging out with a friend on Broad Street.  We chatted about MistiCon events and costumes.

August 10^th / 11^th, I visited with my Mom in upstate NY for the weekend.  Took care of errands, shopping and dined out to Benson’s twice.  Weather was lovely and comfortable.

August 13^th, during my lunch hour I had a yearly appt with my eye doctor.

August 14^th, after work, I had a much-needed 1-hour massage therapy session with Eric at the apt.

August 16^th, after work, I enjoyed a delicious dinner with a good friend at PeaceFood Café to celebrate her retirement.  Afterwards, I went to Barnes and Noble to purchase “Avengers – Endgame” on DVD.

August 17^th / 18^th, I took care of many errands and chores over the weekend, plus grocery shopping and laundry.  On Sunday, I got a much-needed manicure and pedicure, and started crocheting a baby blanket for a friend’s daughter.

August 19^th, after work, I had a much-needed 1-hour massage therapy session with Eric at the apt.

August 21^st, after work, I attended a productive and informative BFP PEJ committee meeting.

August 22^nd, after work, I headed to Bryant Park to hang out with some friends at the weekly Thursday “tea party gathering and discussion”.  It was very enjoyable, and the tea and fresh baked goodies are delicious.

August 24^th, I attended the annual BFP PEJ committee potluck picnic in Prospect Park.  Weather was lovely and felt like an early autumn day.

August 25^th, I headed out to Bay Shore on Long Island to visit with my friend Yvette.  We had a lovely time out at the marina, lunch at Nicky’s and some shopping before I headed back to the city.  Weather was lovely.

August 26^th, after work, I had a much-needed 1-hour massage therapy session with Eric at the apt.

August 28^th, after work, I jumped on the monthly BFP Fundraising committee conference call.

August 29^th, after work, I attended the monthly SGI Buddhist planning meeting in my hood.

August 30^th to Sept 2^nd, I visited with my Mom in upstate NY for the Labor Day holiday weekend.

Daily Quote: “Leaders fail when they rely on their title for respect.” – Matt Beeton

 MistiCon Pro-Photos

Baroness von Huffledor

Saturday / July 20th

PERSONAL NEWS #293

July 2^nd, after work, I had an appt with foot doctor for continued treatment of Plantar Fasciitis.

July 4^th, office closed for the holiday.  I enjoyed a delicious Sushi lunch with a friend in my hood. We caught up on news. Volunteered as usher with another friend at the Broadway play INK in the evening. Excellent play, which closes this Sunday, so get your tix now. Afterwards, I joined a few friends for dinner before heading home.

July 6^th / 7^th, I visited Mom in upstate NY to assist with errands, chores, groceries, antique shopping, and farmers market and out to breakfast with friends.

July 8^th, after work, I had a much-needed 1-hour massage therapy session with Eric at the apt.

July 9^th, after work, I had an appt with foot doctor for continued treatment of Plantar Fasciitis.  Then home to jump on a BFP AC Committee conference call.

July 10^th, after work, I jumped on a productive BFP fundraising committee conference call.

July 11^th, after work, I attended the monthly SGI Buddhist meeting in my hood.

July 13^th, after getting a much-needed manicure, I headed into Manhattan to join a friend at the Metropolitan Museum of Art to see the CAMP costume exhibit, plus the sunset views on the roof garden.

July 14^th, after taking care of errands / chores, I did some shopping at Costco, and then a much-needed pedicure.

July 15^th, after work, I had a much-needed 1-hour massage therapy session with Eric at the apt.

July 16^th, after work, I had an appt with foot doctor for continued treatment of Plantar Fasciitis.  Then headed uptown to meet with a friend for dinner and handle alterations of HP school robes.

July 17^th, after work, I attended the delightfully fun off-Broadway musical PUFFS with other members of TGTSNBN.

July 20^th, I headed up to Tarrytown on MetroNorth for the wonderfully delightful Harry Potter convention called “MistiCon” at a hotel.  The horrible heatwave was brutal over the weekend, but I staying in the air-conditioned hotel from 9:30am to 8:20pm.  Wore two different Hufflepuff costumes throughout the day and utilized a friend’s hotel room as my changing area.  Did some shopping at the crafts fair, sat in on some panel discussions, pro-photos taken by Babs, and chatting with many friends / acquaintances.

July 21^st, I headed back up to Westchester County to visit with friends of the family in Pound Ridge and then Candlewood Lake in CT.  I took the remainder of my father’s ashes to spread around “certain parts” of Pound Ridge and Candlewood Lake.  The horrible heatwave was still with us and it is supposed to let up around Tuesday.  Many memories from my youth in visiting my old hometown and hanging out at Candlewood Lake.

July 23^rd, after work, I went to the monthly SGI Kent District Buddhist meeting in my hood.

July 25^th, during my lunch break I had an appt with foot doctor for continued treatment of Plantar Fasciitis.  After work, I attended a fun watercolor Meetup session near Madison Square Park.

July 27^th, took care of many errands, chores, shopping, laundry and hired the services of a new housekeeper [Rani].  I had a much-needed 1-hour massage therapy session [4pm] with Eric at the apt. In the evening, I watched the sunset at a pier in my hood and enjoyed the lovely breeze.

July 30^th, after work, I got a much-needed manicure in my hood.

 Baroness von Huffledor at MistiCon

Saturday / July 20th

Tarrytown NY

Daily Quote:  “If you want to understand any problem in America, you need to focus on who profits from that problem, not who suffers from that problem.” – Dr. Amos Wilson

Daily Quote: “Creating a mission statement or mantra and setting personal and professional goals can boost confidence and empower you. Confidence is being certain about the truth; knowing and appreciating one’s own abilities through that truth. To be certain of something you should feel comfortable and knowledgeable. Goals that include opportunities to learn, challenge comfort zones, inspire creating, connecting with supportive others, and promote inner happiness build confidence, which empowers individuals to accept and celebrate their unique qualities.” – Dana Buchanan [professional assistant]

This month I celebrate my 2-Year Anniversary in joining and becoming a practicing Nichiren Buddhist.  Many thanks to Veronica in gently guiding me in that direction.

Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo … The essence of Buddhism is the conviction that we each have within us the ability to overcome any problem or difficulty that we may encounter in life.  This inherent potential is what we refer to as the Buddha nature, a state of life characterized by limitless courage, wisdom and compassion.

The founder of Buddhism, Shakyamuni, or Siddhartha as he is sometimes known, expressed this law of life in The Lotus Sutra where he revealed that all people, without exception, possess this Buddha nature and are inherently worthy of respect.

If you wish to learn more, go to http://www.sgi-usa.org/

 Visited the Homestead

Upstate NY

July 6th / 7th

Daily Quote: “A friend is someone who helps you up when you’re down, and if they can’t, they lay down beside you and listen.” – Winnie the Pooh

Daily Quote: “Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.” – Steve Jobs

Daily Quote: “To build a strong team you must see someone else’s strength as a compliment to your weakness, not a threat to your position or authority.” – Christine Caine

PERSONAL NEWS #292

June 3^rd, after work, I had a much-needed 1-hour massage therapy session with Eric at the apt.

June 5^th, after work, I had a doctor’s appt with my internal medicine chappy.

June 6^th, during lunchtime, I had a much-needed acupuncture appt.

June 8^th, I volunteered with BFP at the annual Brooklyn Pride festival on another lovely spring day.  BFP tables at the street fair every year and we did well.  Afterwards, I headed into Manhattan to visit a friend who is making HP Hogwarts school robes for me.

June 9^th, I volunteered as bartender with BFP at their fundraiser and member appreciation event on Atlantic Avenue.  The loft space was amazing; views from roof terrace were lovely, good food / drink and music provided by the Veronica Nunn Trio.  Afterwards, I again headed into Manhattan for a fitting of my robes for HP cosplays.

June 10^th, after work, I joined two friends in seeing “Avengers – Endgame” for a 4^th time in the cinema.

June 11^th, after work, I jumped on the monthly BFP Arts and Culture Collective conference call.

June 12^th, I had lunch with a friend down on Broad Street, and caught up on news / gossip.  After work, I jumped on a productive and informative BFP board member conference call.

June 13^th, later in the evening I had a lovely phone conversation with a longtime friend on the west coast.

June 14^th, after work, I had a much-needed 1-hour massage therapy session with Eric at the apt.

June 15^th, after completing assorted errands, chores and shopping I joined a good friend to see the film “Men in Black International” at the cinema.  The film was good fun and we enjoyed it.  Afterwards, we had a light dinner at a diner.

June 16^th, I signed up for a Costco membership, and then checked out the store in LIC.  Fascinating experience, leisurely strolled about the place and purchased some items.  Due to its location, I had to take Uber Pool there and back.

June 17^th, after work, I went to B&N to purchase some DVDs, one of which was “Captain Marvel”.  Then strolled over to the SGI Buddhist Center for some chanting and meditation.

June 18^th, during my lunch break I had a foot doctor appt.  After work, I went to the monthly SGI Kent District Buddhist meeting in my hood.

June 19^th, after work, I jumped on a productive BFP fundraising committee conference call.

June 20^th, I had lunch with a friend whom I had not seen in a year, and it was great catching up on news.

June 21^st to 23^rd, I visited Mom in upstate NY to assist with errands, chores, groceries, farmers market and out to breakfast.

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

June 25^th, after work, I got a much-needed manicure in my hood.

June 27^th, marks my 2^nd anniversary with EA position at the BCF.  After work, I had an appt with my foot doctor for treatment and therapy.

June 28^th, after work, I had a much-needed 1-hour massage therapy session with Eric at the apt.

June 30^th, I hosted a dinner gathering with several friends at the apt on a warm, sunny summer afternoon into evening.  Good food, diverse conversation and company.

Me and Margaret

Dinner Gathering

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.)