Shana Tova

To my dear friends, family, and Rachel. Sorry but for more than a week I've had both hands tied behind my back. In '07, that is what happens when you experience computer meltdown (well, maybe not you, but definitely me). Now I only have one hand in restraints, that is because.........Mazal Tov........ I have pristine new white Mac. It is beautiful, but I have no idea how to use it.

Can anyone out there recommend a "dummies" type book that would help me out with the basics?

I have been obsessing about my computer for some weeks now. I certainly didn't realize the extent to which I have been using the laptop as a virtual kitchen accessory. It is an indispensable aid to reading the newspaper. I constantly look up definitions, as I am reading, or jump into Google to locate some piece of info that I need to corroborate or complement what I am reading; not to mention the constant cooking support, but I have already told you about that.

It had been my intention to write, before Rosh Hashana and address this to the bulk of my contact list. Well I am often late, in such things, but it is never too late for good wishes. So here are mine. To all who give me the courtesy of reading my 'shtuyot', I take this occasion to wish you all the best in this New Year. We need and pray for Good Health and Peace. When that is taken care of we can move on to wishes for prosperity and happiness and Nachat.

5767 was a good year for yours truly. Each of you has done your small part to enhance my life this past year, and I thank you all. I look forward to your friendship, support and love (only where applicable) in 5768.

Gmar Chatima Tova

People watching

Here I am in NY, the Big Apple and went down to Starbucks to jump start my day. I took a window seat on Broadway @ 75th street, and all of a sudden I realized that right here, more that 50 years ago I sat with my parents having breakfast in a restaurant call Starks. We stayed in the Beacon Hotel which is still right there on B'way on the other side of 75th.

Although I brought a book along, people watching is far more interesting. The flow of people into Starbucks was relentless. In the hour I sat there were always at least 3 people in line. From my vantage point I studied the passing crowds, and, yes, there were crowds. I always pick out certain types and try to figure out what they are all about. This being Labour Day, the dress was casual to very casual, but I invariably imagined that the guy in flip flops, baggy shorts and tank top would tomorrow put on a well pressed formal shirt, neat slacks and perhaps even a tie. The women in very short shorts, or very tight jeans, would they also put on a straight laced business look for the work week.

And how many of them were dog walkers? probably more than half. It also struck me that for every woman I saw with child there were as many as 4 dads with 1, 2 or even 3 kids. Was this proof of the dominant single parent families in contemporary society, and was holday Monday Dad's turn with the kids. This thought really saddened me.

New York........This is an amazing city. You can feel its energy. I love to experience it, but at the end of the day, let me go home.