Today, after 6 hours of putting up our Co-op's tree with its 2000+ lights, we gathered our communal Family
together to decorate our 14-foot, lobby Christmas tree.
The concentration of Santa-helpers was intense, and magical.
"You shouldn't put two green ornaments next to each other", said one of our younger girls to her neighboring pal.
And pointing to an empty spot high beyond his reach, another of Santa's Helpers was overheard saying to an
adult nearby, "Can you hang something up there?"
The adults too, pitched in to get things done. High above, Chris used a step ladder to trim the upper most
branches while Nellie & I kept a keen eye on the lower levels. Patti, our Co-op President, took time away from her
picture taking to hang a few balls. Treasurer, Joan & Secretary, Lucy made sure every hand was wrapped around
a cup of mulled cider or hot chocolate to sip between bites of cookies and other sweets. While myself, V-P,
made sure that this year's tree would not be anything less than it has been in the past. Richard (V-P), Jeff and
Vivien held lively conversations -- welcoming all the new faces to our annual tradition.
Eighteen years ago we were a rent-stabilized building. We are now a proud Cooperative with over 80%
shareholder-held.
Next up, tapping our entry lamp posts to light and frame the entrance to our lobby. Come sneak a peak through
our lobby doors to see this dazzling tree.
Happy Holidays to all,
Norman
January 6, 2010
Well, is anyone else as exhausted as I am coming out of this Holiday season? Phew! With all the shopping,
cooking dinner parties, setting up decorations, and gift wrapping it is a miracle that I have not expired. But I do
apologize for not writing sooner.
Question: Has anyone noticed in Manhattan, that almost one in every four stores is now vacant? I tremble at the
thought that this downward trend may affect Jackson Heights, New York. So in an effort to make sure residents of
Queens know that they don't have to always drop their well earned dollars in Manhattan all the time, they can get
in Queens.
Okay, so Jackson Heights does not have fab chain stores like Banana Republic, The Gap, etc... but soon, real
soon. If demographers see that residents of Queens are shopping in their own neighborhoods, and they do,
those mega chains may start seeking real estate to open up shop. After all, Starbucks has been running rather
successfully for a few years now. “Calling all Barnes & Nobles!”
Back to Christmas . . .
Now I want to share with you a very special Christmas Eve dinner I did for a very close friend. Someday I would
like to spend Christmas in Europe. Why? Simply - tradition. You see, my friend is from Poland and I thought a
Wigilia (from the Latin term vigilare meaning "to await") a traditional Polish Christmas Eve dinner would be a fun
adventure for myself. And what is just as fun was shopping for grocery items in the ethnic grocers here in JH.
But what I did not know was that it would be filled with those wonderful traditions – not to mention an exact dinner
menu to adhere to of no less than 12 courses. Here is the dinner menu:
1. Fire Vodka with honey
2. Barszcz-Borscht, beet soup w/sour cream
3. Polish Pickled Herring w/dill pickle rolmopsy
4. Beet-Pickled Deviled Eggs
5. Vegetarian Stuffed Cabbage
6. Potato Filled Pierogi
7. Dried Fruit Compote
8. Kasha with Mandarin Oranges and Raisins
9. Cauliflower alla Polonaise
10. Sauerkraut & Green Bean Slaw
11. Polish Carp in Horseradish Sauce Recipe
12. Poppy Seed Roll
Let me tell you that the Fire Vodka was a head-banger. Boy was I lit after the first course. That made for some
giddy laughter in the kitchen.
But it was the pre-dinner traditions that really put me in the correct spirit of Christmas. You see, the table first had
to have a layer of hay under the table cloth. Then an extra place-setting was set out for any unexpected guests
that could not be turned away. Think Mary and Joseph searching for a place to stay on the certain night, and the
stable-owner who though did not have enough room inside gave them the stable. Then when the first star
appears in the sky, the Christmas tree is lit and the dinner begins. The Christmas Eve meal starts with a prayer,
the sharing of the blessed oplatek (consecrated bread wafer which is similar to that used during Holy Communion
in the Roman Catholic Church), and the exchanging of wishes. Usually, the male head of the household takes the
wafer and turns to his wife, extending it toward her. He wishes her good health and success in the upcoming year,
the fulfillment of her dreams, and, if there have been any misunderstandings, he asks her for forgiveness and for
the New Year to be a better one. The wife then thanks him and breaks off half of the wafer and eats a piece of it.
Next, she offers the wafer to her husband, expressing similar wishes. He breaks the wafer and eats it. This
ceremony is repeated with each person present, beginning with the oldest and ending with the youngest. Nice, eh?
There are other traditions, but we chose this one to round out the evening: iI is customary to feed the domestic
animals with oplatek and dinner leftovers. Now I have no cows or chickens to think about sustaining myself and
family, but we do have a dog, Teddy. So he received selected leftovers and good wishes – he’s 15 years old and I
want him around for many more.
Later gifts were exchanged. One gift we gave our friend was very special. Before dinner we all gathered around
the tree and with the auto-feature of our digi-cam, took a group picture. During the dinner Chris stepped away to
print out the picture, insert it into a frame so that I could later sneak away and wrap the frame for presentation.
Now that Christmas Eve will be remembered for years to come. A Merry Christmas indeed it was.
So to all of you I wish you the same. And have a healthy, prosperous and peaceful 2010.
Norman
Well, is anyone else as exhausted as I am coming out of this Holiday season? Phew! With all the shopping,
cooking dinner parties, setting up decorations, and gift wrapping it is a miracle that I have not expired. But I do
apologize for not writing sooner.
Question: Has anyone noticed in Manhattan, that almost one in every four stores is now vacant? I tremble at the
thought that this downward trend may affect Jackson Heights, New York. So in an effort to make sure residents of
Queens know that they don't have to always drop their well earned dollars in Manhattan all the time, they can get
in Queens.
Okay, so Jackson Heights does not have fab chain stores like Banana Republic, The Gap, etc... but soon, real
soon. If demographers see that residents of Queens are shopping in their own neighborhoods, and they do,
those mega chains may start seeking real estate to open up shop. After all, Starbucks has been running rather
successfully for a few years now. “Calling all Barnes & Nobles!”
Back to Christmas . . .
Now I want to share with you a very special Christmas Eve dinner I did for a very close friend. Someday I would
like to spend Christmas in Europe. Why? Simply - tradition. You see, my friend is from Poland and I thought a
Wigilia (from the Latin term vigilare meaning "to await") a traditional Polish Christmas Eve dinner would be a fun
adventure for myself. And what is just as fun was shopping for grocery items in the ethnic grocers here in JH.
But what I did not know was that it would be filled with those wonderful traditions – not to mention an exact dinner
menu to adhere to of no less than 12 courses. Here is the dinner menu:
1. Fire Vodka with honey
2. Barszcz-Borscht, beet soup w/sour cream
3. Polish Pickled Herring w/dill pickle rolmopsy
4. Beet-Pickled Deviled Eggs
5. Vegetarian Stuffed Cabbage
6. Potato Filled Pierogi
7. Dried Fruit Compote
8. Kasha with Mandarin Oranges and Raisins
9. Cauliflower alla Polonaise
10. Sauerkraut & Green Bean Slaw
11. Polish Carp in Horseradish Sauce Recipe
12. Poppy Seed Roll
Let me tell you that the Fire Vodka was a head-banger. Boy was I lit after the first course. That made for some
giddy laughter in the kitchen.
But it was the pre-dinner traditions that really put me in the correct spirit of Christmas. You see, the table first had
to have a layer of hay under the table cloth. Then an extra place-setting was set out for any unexpected guests
that could not be turned away. Think Mary and Joseph searching for a place to stay on the certain night, and the
stable-owner who though did not have enough room inside gave them the stable. Then when the first star
appears in the sky, the Christmas tree is lit and the dinner begins. The Christmas Eve meal starts with a prayer,
the sharing of the blessed oplatek (consecrated bread wafer which is similar to that used during Holy Communion
in the Roman Catholic Church), and the exchanging of wishes. Usually, the male head of the household takes the
wafer and turns to his wife, extending it toward her. He wishes her good health and success in the upcoming year,
the fulfillment of her dreams, and, if there have been any misunderstandings, he asks her for forgiveness and for
the New Year to be a better one. The wife then thanks him and breaks off half of the wafer and eats a piece of it.
Next, she offers the wafer to her husband, expressing similar wishes. He breaks the wafer and eats it. This
ceremony is repeated with each person present, beginning with the oldest and ending with the youngest. Nice, eh?
There are other traditions, but we chose this one to round out the evening: iI is customary to feed the domestic
animals with oplatek and dinner leftovers. Now I have no cows or chickens to think about sustaining myself and
family, but we do have a dog, Teddy. So he received selected leftovers and good wishes – he’s 15 years old and I
want him around for many more.
Later gifts were exchanged. One gift we gave our friend was very special. Before dinner we all gathered around
the tree and with the auto-feature of our digi-cam, took a group picture. During the dinner Chris stepped away to
print out the picture, insert it into a frame so that I could later sneak away and wrap the frame for presentation.
Now that Christmas Eve will be remembered for years to come. A Merry Christmas indeed it was.
So to all of you I wish you the same. And have a healthy, prosperous and peaceful 2010.
Norman
| Husbands, wives, singles, fathers, mothers, and those expecting all came down to the lobby to lend a hand while our youngest members busied themselves hanging ornaments on this tree. I have to give it to our young residents, they really got into the spirit --taking great pride in their tree. |
Living in Jackson Heights 11/25/09
What are you cooking for Thanksgiving? Me? I'm having a few friends over for Thanksgiving Day dinner. I'll be serving some of my
childhood favorites, some classic dishes, and a few favs as dictated by my quests.
For years I have started the dinner with a Butternut Squash soup served in a roasted, Acorn Squash soup-bowl. Yes, quite festive and
tastes incredible. But not this year...temps are too warm. You can serve any soup in this natural soup bowl. And the bowl is edible too.
All you have to do is to flatten the bottom of the acorn squash by cut the bottom so it can stand up. Cut the top and reserve as your
cover. Clear the seeds and pulp out, rinse, season and then roast the squash and it's cover in a hot oven, but not too long for it may
loose it's ability to hold it's shape. Pour your soup in, place the cover back on and . . voila!
What are you cooking for Thanksgiving? Me? I'm having a few friends over for Thanksgiving Day dinner. I'll be serving some of my
childhood favorites, some classic dishes, and a few favs as dictated by my quests.
For years I have started the dinner with a Butternut Squash soup served in a roasted, Acorn Squash soup-bowl. Yes, quite festive and
tastes incredible. But not this year...temps are too warm. You can serve any soup in this natural soup bowl. And the bowl is edible too.
All you have to do is to flatten the bottom of the acorn squash by cut the bottom so it can stand up. Cut the top and reserve as your
cover. Clear the seeds and pulp out, rinse, season and then roast the squash and it's cover in a hot oven, but not too long for it may
loose it's ability to hold it's shape. Pour your soup in, place the cover back on and . . voila!
In 1984, I stumbles across Jackson Heights -- "This is the best kept secret of New York City."
Indeed it is!
The gorgeous, tree-lined streets, mature gardens and majestic, land marked buildings gives this neighborhood it's distinct
character.
This Halloween, down 37th Avenue, brought The Annual Halloween Parade. Hundreds of trick-or-treaters marched down the
avenue like a wave of invading goblins. They were met at 76th Street by large, goodie-bag toting volunteers who handed over
mounds of treats. JH has always looked out for their young revellers - and this year, even though financial times are tough, was
no exception.
Oh, the Fall colors! . . .
Walk anywhere in the Historic District of JH and witness the foliage colors. Red maples are all ablaze. Sumacs and poplars are
shivering in the wind cloaked with their bright, yellow canopies. And don't wrinkle your nose at the withering perennial gardens,
this is only their natural process. The leaves of hostas are now golden yellow. Seed pods of black are standing tall awaiting a stiff
breeze to release their seeds to naturalize the gardens for next year.
Bombs away!
Many streets have mature oak trees that may bombard you as you pass. Their acorns, a squirrels delight, will soon all be
gathered and removed as if by magic. Please don't feed the squirrels human foods. We love these friendly, furry playmates.
Here comes the snow. . .
Oh, okay - not just yet. But when it does comes, come out onto the streets and see what Hallmark cards has been painting for
many decades. With all the trees and gardens around, wet snow will blanket all giving a hush to an urban neighborhood only 15
minutes from Manhattan.
Silver bells . . .
74th Street, our Indian/Middle Eastern shop-and-eat strip is already festooned with lights for . . . yes . . . Christmas. Soon to come
will be all the twinkling lights & evergreens heralding the approach of the Holidays. Oh, and while you're at it, stop in at one of the
many restaurants and cafes that line 37th Avenue. Goods eats! And cheap too. My favs for Indian? Jackson Diner. When you have
no time or company, try one of the many buffets. Watch this blog for pics of Holiday decorations that the large co-op buildings will
erect.
'till next time (Dec 1st) stay wrapped and healthy in mind, body & soul.
Norman
| Living in JH Blog |
Living in Jackson Heights 11/16/09
Heralding in the Holiday Season with a look-back at Christmas 2008.
In a few weeks I will be cruising the streets of JH to take pics of this year's stunners....so stayed tuned, okay? I'm excited about the
Holidays from just writing briefly about it....hope you'll catch the spirit soon.
If you have some pics of this Christmas you'd like to post and share...let me know.
BTW, take a look at the decor for a Halloween party I threw this year.
Norman
Heralding in the Holiday Season with a look-back at Christmas 2008.
In a few weeks I will be cruising the streets of JH to take pics of this year's stunners....so stayed tuned, okay? I'm excited about the
Holidays from just writing briefly about it....hope you'll catch the spirit soon.
If you have some pics of this Christmas you'd like to post and share...let me know.
BTW, take a look at the decor for a Halloween party I threw this year.
Norman
Apple Stuffing
Candied Yams
Corn Pudding
Green Bean Casserole
Deviled Eggs
Sauteed Brussel Sprouts w/ Roasted Pecans
Fresh Cranberry and Orange Sauce
Home-Made Gravy
and Pumpkin Pie.
See, simple this year. Still thinking about an
appetizer...hmmmmm. Any ideas?
Candied Yams
Corn Pudding
Green Bean Casserole
Deviled Eggs
Sauteed Brussel Sprouts w/ Roasted Pecans
Fresh Cranberry and Orange Sauce
Home-Made Gravy
and Pumpkin Pie.
See, simple this year. Still thinking about an
appetizer...hmmmmm. Any ideas?
This year's menu is simply. . .
otto
Nielsen Realty
33-52 81st. Street,
Suite 42
Jackson Heights,
NY 11372
Tel: 718-205-9215
Fax: 718-205-9218
Suite 42
Jackson Heights,
NY 11372
Tel: 718-205-9215
Fax: 718-205-9218
Well, Thanksgiving has come on gone. Left-overs, anyone?
This year it was time to take advantage of my local supermarket's FREE TURKEY offer. Get this...with my shopping list in one hand,
and my shopping cart in the other, I flew done the aisles grabbing what I needed for the dinner and stocking up on things I might
need in the future. Kind of like that shopping game where you tackle products with the highest price tags.
Now you know how supermarkets can sometimes not tag every item. Tisk, tisk, tisk! So estimating that I had enough to make the
minimum purchase ($125.00) I headed to the turkey freezers to hunt for a 20-pound beauty. I was elated as I froze my hands moving
these glacial beasts around to find the hidden treasure. Aha! There she is! Then I took my place in line to slide into a checkout lane.
$35...$56...$68...$79...$85...I'm getting there...so I thought. Total: $101.30....ARRRGH! Now how the hoot am I going to grab
twenty-five dollars worth of groceries when I have a line of other shoppers behind me breathing down my neck? Can't hold up the
line now - can I?
With perspiration starting to bead upon my forehead, I see the cashier swipe a card through the machine, scan the 19.34-pound
turkey -- did you think I would grab anything less? Off came the price of the turkey. Seems like the $125 minimum was lifted. Maybe
because I live just around the corner and shop there often enough? Yippee!
So the cooking went off without a hitch. But I must admit if I ever re-model my kitchen...I'm getting a second oven. Let me tell you...the
last hour of cooking was just short of a miracle. After the bird was taken out to rest, I still had the candied yams to brown
(marshmallow-topped), the stuffing, corn pudding and green bean casserole to bake.
With that many items in the oven, the temperatures can vary greatly. Fingers crossed, and a steady hand on my oven's touch-pad, I
raised the raised the temperature until I saw what I needed to see...the corn pudding starting to bubble and rise - an egg and flour
mixture pulls this dish together.
All garnished, the dishes went out to the table to receive their well deserved "oohs" & "ahs." We all sat down, said grace, and started
piling our dishes sky-high. But in the midst of all the hustle and bustle (sorry, that's a Christmas phrase) I FORGOT TO GET OUT
THE CAMERA! ARRRRRRGH! So I'm sorry I have no pictures to share - only my memories.
Lessons learned: 1. Take a calculator; 2. Never under-estimate the kindness of your local merchants who even though they may not
know you by name, they sure want your loyalty; and 3. Wear you digi-cam like a wrist watch.
BTW, what am I doing with the carcass that was in the freezer? Right now it is simmering away to make a rich stock that will be
used in my favorite Chinese recipe - congee soup. Very good for your health, cheap to make, and you can eat this anytime of the day,
or night. Though congee it is often eaten for breakfast. I often look forward to cooking a turkey just so I can have jook.
Congee or jook is basically rice cooked in a lot of water. The English equivalent would be, rice porridge. Jook / Juk is the English
translation of the Cantonese name for rice porridge. It resembles a thick soup and with ingredients such as minced meat or
seafood, jook is a one-dish delight.
I've included a recipe below so that you too can have yourself a healthy, feel-good meal.
1 turkey carcass
4 quarts cold water
1 cup short-grain rice
1/2 cup glutinous rice (if unavailable, substitute additional rice)
4 slices of peeled fresh ginger, about the size of a quarter, smashed
2 cloves garlic1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, or to taste
Garnishes:
Mustard, soy sauce or chili oil
Shredded iceberg or green leaf lettuce
Minced green onions
Cilantro leaves
Asian sesame oil
INSTRUCTIONS:
Remove excess skin and fat from the carcass but leave any browned, crispy pieces for additional flavor. To help fit the carcass into a pot, cut it in half, breaking it across the backbone
along the ribs. Stuff any leftover wingtips and bones into the backend half; stuff the back half into the ribcage. Place both halves in a large stockpot and add the cold water to
generously cover. Bring to a boil. Boil for 5 minutes, skimming the scum that rises to the top. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, rinse the rice well in several changes of water until water runs clear. Add the rice to the pot. Bring back to a boil, stirring occasionally. Add the ginger. Reduce heat to low,
cover, and simmer for about 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. (Low heat and stirring are important to avoid scorching as the jook thickens.) Remove the carcass from the jook,
discarding bones and skin. Shred any large pieces of meat or cut into bite- size pieces and return to the soup. Add the salt to taste and simmer for about 30 minutes, until desired
consistency is reached or add water for a thinner consistency.
Living in Jackson Heights 12/4/09
Welcoming TABLE WINE to Jackson Heights 11372
Our newest arrival to 37th Avenue is Table Wine -- a wine boutique featuring well-selected wines & sparkling wines from all over the
world. Upon entering the clean, bright, and un-cluttered space you are enveloped in the scent of new wood.
To your immediate right, the selections start with light-bodied wines and continue around the room, counter-clockwise, through
more full-bodied wines until you reach the sparkling wines. This wine boutique re-generates your taste buds for a fine wine to
accompany your dinner, and that well-deserved down time at home.
Table Wine
79-14 37th Avenue
718-478-WINE (1463)
Welcoming TABLE WINE to Jackson Heights 11372
Our newest arrival to 37th Avenue is Table Wine -- a wine boutique featuring well-selected wines & sparkling wines from all over the
world. Upon entering the clean, bright, and un-cluttered space you are enveloped in the scent of new wood.
To your immediate right, the selections start with light-bodied wines and continue around the room, counter-clockwise, through
more full-bodied wines until you reach the sparkling wines. This wine boutique re-generates your taste buds for a fine wine to
accompany your dinner, and that well-deserved down time at home.
Table Wine
79-14 37th Avenue
718-478-WINE (1463)
| Photo by S. Sek |
| Photo by S. Sek |
| Photo by Patti L. |
| Photo by Patti L. |
| Photo by Patti L. |
Monctclair Garden's Trim-a-Tree
| Digitized photo by Chris Clark |
Saturday, May 15, 2010
It has been a long time since I've had the time to add to this blog. With Spring rejuvenating the Real Estate
market, I been busy as a beaver locating clients into new homes here in Jackson Heights and Sunnyside.
Jackson Heights this Spring blossomed, as all ways, with a fire works display of color. And my own co-op's interior
garden did as well. Mother nature waits for no one, so I've been prepping the gardens for this year's growing
season: cleaning the borders, amending the soil and fighting and on-going battle against snails and slugs.
Our newly elected Councilman, Daniel Dromm has turned his attention to our Traverse Park - renovating the
playground area. There is a city-built dog-run in the making....great news for all us dog-lovers and our pooches.
Come to Jackson Heights this summer and see why we are called The Last Real Melting Pot of New York City.
It has been a long time since I've had the time to add to this blog. With Spring rejuvenating the Real Estate
market, I been busy as a beaver locating clients into new homes here in Jackson Heights and Sunnyside.
Jackson Heights this Spring blossomed, as all ways, with a fire works display of color. And my own co-op's interior
garden did as well. Mother nature waits for no one, so I've been prepping the gardens for this year's growing
season: cleaning the borders, amending the soil and fighting and on-going battle against snails and slugs.
Our newly elected Councilman, Daniel Dromm has turned his attention to our Traverse Park - renovating the
playground area. There is a city-built dog-run in the making....great news for all us dog-lovers and our pooches.
Come to Jackson Heights this summer and see why we are called The Last Real Melting Pot of New York City.
Saturday, June 17, 2010
So far the summer has kept me busy with work, other work and work disguised as play. The real estate market
has started to slow down for the summer - leaving me with some time to turn my attentions to other matters.
Come July, I will be doing the flowers for my niece's wedding in Hawaii. Now this is no small feat for there are plans
to accommodate 400 people. Yes, you read correctly - 400!
I'll be creating flowers for the beach ceremony, reception centerpieces, and some tall arrangements for the
reception that I call "lei trees."
Take a look at some of the prototypes created thus far for this family extravaganza and how difficult it is to
coordinate things from many miles away.
Hope to take a lot of photos from the wedding and post them here. For now, Aloha!
So far the summer has kept me busy with work, other work and work disguised as play. The real estate market
has started to slow down for the summer - leaving me with some time to turn my attentions to other matters.
Come July, I will be doing the flowers for my niece's wedding in Hawaii. Now this is no small feat for there are plans
to accommodate 400 people. Yes, you read correctly - 400!
I'll be creating flowers for the beach ceremony, reception centerpieces, and some tall arrangements for the
reception that I call "lei trees."
Take a look at some of the prototypes created thus far for this family extravaganza and how difficult it is to
coordinate things from many miles away.
Hope to take a lot of photos from the wedding and post them here. For now, Aloha!
TO OTHER PICTURES: PAVILLION CEREMONY SITE |
Monday, August 2, 2010
Hawai'i does boast natural beauty in some of the most dramatic ways. Aqua waters framed by black lava rocks
from old flows and royal blue skies. White sand beaches are shaded by swaying palm trees. Sea turtles popping
their heads above the water between mouthfuls of seaweed. Such was the site of the marriage of my neiice
Cassey Hussey to Sheldon Abril on the ground of the Mauna Lani Resort.
It was a good thing I took my sunglasses. No, not because of glare - but because I cried during the ceremony.
Here was a marriage ceremony where we, the attendees, even took vows to nurture this union for life just before
the minister presented the newly weds. BTW, My grand-niece, Konalani (The Flower Girl) had broken her arm just
days before.
Soon there after, we all converged on an open-air pavilion for a typical Hawaiian luau that went way into the night.
I wish Sheldon & Cassey all the best - as I wish the best for all of you as well.
Hawai'i does boast natural beauty in some of the most dramatic ways. Aqua waters framed by black lava rocks
from old flows and royal blue skies. White sand beaches are shaded by swaying palm trees. Sea turtles popping
their heads above the water between mouthfuls of seaweed. Such was the site of the marriage of my neiice
Cassey Hussey to Sheldon Abril on the ground of the Mauna Lani Resort.
It was a good thing I took my sunglasses. No, not because of glare - but because I cried during the ceremony.
Here was a marriage ceremony where we, the attendees, even took vows to nurture this union for life just before
the minister presented the newly weds. BTW, My grand-niece, Konalani (The Flower Girl) had broken her arm just
days before.
Soon there after, we all converged on an open-air pavilion for a typical Hawaiian luau that went way into the night.
I wish Sheldon & Cassey all the best - as I wish the best for all of you as well.
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Saturday April 30, 2011
MONTCLAIR GARDENS SPRING FLEA MARKET - 2011
Although weather reports predicted sunny skies and temperatures in the mid-60's the day started off chilly and
dreary with less than expected shoppers. But the skies did eventually clear and Jackson Heights' sidewalks once
again filled with weekend strollers who fed into the 75th Street for the flea market.
A good time was had by all turning new and used goods into cash.
Neighbors greeted each other as they strolled pass ladened tables over-flowing with collectibles, jewelry, clothing,
housewares, books and anything else one could imagine. Shoppers were delighted having found deals and
unique items.
Sellers were busy bagging items for shoppers and haggling over prices - all part of the flea market adventure.
I had two shoppers who were excited by vintage linens who practically bought me out. And then there was the
collector who eyed my Aunt Jemima cookie jar - passing by my stall a few times before circling in for the kill. We
quickly agreed on a price for the cookie jar, exchanged some bills, and happily ended the transaction.
One seller sold out early in the day leaving the rest of us green with envy.
All-in-all, it was a great day and we all promised to see each other again at the next flea market.
MONTCLAIR GARDENS SPRING FLEA MARKET - 2011
Although weather reports predicted sunny skies and temperatures in the mid-60's the day started off chilly and
dreary with less than expected shoppers. But the skies did eventually clear and Jackson Heights' sidewalks once
again filled with weekend strollers who fed into the 75th Street for the flea market.
A good time was had by all turning new and used goods into cash.
Neighbors greeted each other as they strolled pass ladened tables over-flowing with collectibles, jewelry, clothing,
housewares, books and anything else one could imagine. Shoppers were delighted having found deals and
unique items.
Sellers were busy bagging items for shoppers and haggling over prices - all part of the flea market adventure.
I had two shoppers who were excited by vintage linens who practically bought me out. And then there was the
collector who eyed my Aunt Jemima cookie jar - passing by my stall a few times before circling in for the kill. We
quickly agreed on a price for the cookie jar, exchanged some bills, and happily ended the transaction.
One seller sold out early in the day leaving the rest of us green with envy.
All-in-all, it was a great day and we all promised to see each other again at the next flea market.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
On Thursday May 26, 2011 at 10:10PM my heart shattered and sank as my precious and loyal friend Teddy was
laid to rest. Teddy is a Silky Terrier, often times mistaken for a Yorkie - but by AKC standards a Silky is much
larger.
Here is how Teddy's and my life came together . . .
Fours years ago a neighbor and another woman rang my doorbell. The woman had found a dog roaming behind
Chase Manhattan Bank on 37th Road and 75th Street with both a collar and leash still on. Thinking that the dog
had gotten away from its owner, she turned to some kids who were on the same block and asked if they knew the
dog. The kids wondered and thought that the dog may have come from their building. The kids just happened to
be the children of my building's Superintendent. So off they all trotted to my building to inquire about this dog
through an animal-loving neighbor.
My neighbor informed the woman that the dog had not come from our building. Perplexed, both woman, still
thinking that the dog had gotten away sought safe-haven for the dog before they initiated attempts to find the
owner.
That was when my doorbell rang.
There they were with this little blond and blue/grey Silky on a leash. Both woman are cat owners and my neighbor
immediately thought of me to give the dog safe-harbor since she knew I had a Dalmation that had passed many
years ago and just maybe I would say, yes. How could I not say yes when I am such a dog lover at heart. And
being that the dog's stay would be temporary, for I too felt that the circumstances would lead us all to believe that
the dog had somehow gotten away and the owners discovered, in came this tangled-mess of a pooch who
immediately sought out my bathroom, leaped into the tub and relieved himself.
BONUS! Here is a dog who knew where to "go." Someone must be riddled with grief not knowing where their
well-trained friend was.
But after several weeks of waiting for a response to the extensive flyer and internet postings of a "lost dog found"
- the phone never rang. Did someone just let him go for they did not want him?
I did notice that the dog was toothless which allowed his tongue to dangle out of his mouth, and his eyes were
greyed over bringing again the fear that just maybe this dog was truly abandoned. By the way, a Silky is the
"Cousin It" of the dog show world. This guy had long, tangled hair and was truly in need of at least a bath.
Luckily I have friends who are dog groomers/pet store owners in Woodside. So into a car I went to Rainbow Pet
Supply to get this dog groomed for I was already thinking that I'd better get him looking good before I seek out
someone to adopt him. At the time I did not want another dog in my life to replace the memory of Petra, the
Dalmatian.
Later my groomer/friends called me to say that the hair was in such tangles that they suggested that a close-cut
trim was best. Ok! If anything, someone could start all over again and let his hair grow out. Now here is something
that still gives me a chuckle.
When I arrived to pick this now groomed, no-name dog, I was greeted this time by a closely-trimmed face which
looked like a brown bear. Voila! I now can give this dog a name, Teddy Bear . . . Teddy, for short.
I posted adoption notices on the internet and asked about if anyone was interested in an adoption. But there was
one requirement before I released this Teddy Bear into the arms of a new owner. The new owner must make an
Vet appointment to make sure that there were no terminal medical issues which may cause the new owner to
again abandon this dog. None of the parties who responded agreed, nor did they think a vet was needed - ever.
Guess what folks? I did not release Teddy to any of these parties . . . no way!
So bravely I made the decision that Teddy & I were meant to be together. So off to my veterinarian we went where
my vet concluded that with Teddy's loss of teeth and diminishing vision, this dog would be about 12 years old. But
there were no terminal illness. He assessment of Teddy's life-expectancy was maybe a good 5 more years.
Satisfied with the entire situation, Teddy Bear was now to be a permanent family member of my household.
BRIEF HISTORY AT 35-35 75TH STREET
Teddy enjoyed many walks around the hood, train rides down to Red Bank, New Jersey with me when I was still a
musical theater director, and spent many hours on the Hampton Jitney on-route to summer weekends in Sag
Harbor.
Ah, Sag Harbor. Teddy would romp around the yard, ride in my bicycle basket which by-the-way really was a
concession on my part to have a bike with a basket. But Teddy loved the many hours riding with me. We would
many times stop at the Long Wharf Harbor Park, order cracked lobster and lunch together. The best was when
pedestrians would point with glee at the dog in the basket with his tongue hanging out and squealing, "Oh how
cute!"
My vet, at Teddy's yearly check-ups would always say, "He still going?" He did not think it was possible for Teddy
to have lasted even though he gave his most optimistic assessment of 5 years.
Remember Teddy had no teeth and we had to cook his meals to soften it. Even when there was a steak bone to
be given, we did not hesitate. He enjoyed licking it and would shove it under furniture of appliances as if to bury it
for later.
Two months ago (March. 2011), I had started to notice that Teddy was favoring only his right hind leg. But then
things would get better, so I stopped worrying. But in May it got worst with no signs of improvement. It had been at
least three years ago that I had stopped Teddy from leaping into the tub to relieve himself between walks for he
was having trouble clearing the tub's outer rim. He was now trained to scratch at the bathroom door if he ever
need to go. Later he abandoned that routine and would just march into my home office and stand like a pit bull, or
run in and out of the kitchen signalling me to follow him to the bathroom.
It was not until two weeks ago that again the favoring of the right-hind leg really showed itself again.
Mind you Teddy was getting older and was starting to show signs of dementia when he would stare into corners,
or pace about my apartment through the night. There were many nights I was roused from my sleep by a thud and
a tumbling sound to find Teddy trying to ascend the steps out of my sunken living room.
But then he stopped walking all-together. He would not put his left-hind leg down to bear any weight. Now I had to
hold him while in the tub to relieve himself. Another vet visit was definitely in order.
BAD NEWS
My vet, on May 23, 2011 diagnosed that Teddy had ruptured his ACL ligament in his left-hind knee. Being that
Teddy was so old, he was not a candidate for corrective surgery for he would never come out of anesthesia and
the only hope was that Teddy would train himself to use only 3 legs. But there was a great chance that during this
retraining he would ruin his other hind leg.
Thinking that Teddy would rise to the occasion, we went home where I had to limit his mobility, as per my vet, to a
4' X 4' area.
I had to hold Teddy while he ate and drank -- held him while he urinated or defecated - which he would not. He
tried on his own to squat, but would fall.
Noticing a sadness in his eyes, he was starting to succumbed this debilitating condition. Note should be made that
Teddy was never a lap dog. But now he would seek comfort in my arms and would often fall asleep. It was not until
a few nights later that I again was roused from my sleep - this time by Teddy's moaning. He was in pain. What
should I do!!! He was already on pain killers and anti-inflammatory medications and yet he was in great discomfort.
I called my vet and gave him an update. My vet said, "Knowing Teddy's age and ailments, I would not put it
against you if you chose to put him down at this time."
Teddy's appetite was decreasing, he had not defecated in 3 days and his quality of life was quickly decreasing.
So I was faced to make the difficult and painfully emotional decision to bring forth a gentle passing to relieve
Teddy and allow him to pass away from all his pain.
Teddy was laid to rest at The Animal Medical Center at 10:10 PM. This coming August 8th (the day Teddy bear
showed up at my door), Teddy would have been 17 years young on august 8, 2011.
My partner and I will miss him greatly. There is a hollowness in our home and our eyes fill constantly with tears.
Teddy,
We will miss you greatly and you will never be forgotten.
We can only hope that now you can see, chew bones and run like the wind.
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU FOR EVER.
On Thursday May 26, 2011 at 10:10PM my heart shattered and sank as my precious and loyal friend Teddy was
laid to rest. Teddy is a Silky Terrier, often times mistaken for a Yorkie - but by AKC standards a Silky is much
larger.
Here is how Teddy's and my life came together . . .
Fours years ago a neighbor and another woman rang my doorbell. The woman had found a dog roaming behind
Chase Manhattan Bank on 37th Road and 75th Street with both a collar and leash still on. Thinking that the dog
had gotten away from its owner, she turned to some kids who were on the same block and asked if they knew the
dog. The kids wondered and thought that the dog may have come from their building. The kids just happened to
be the children of my building's Superintendent. So off they all trotted to my building to inquire about this dog
through an animal-loving neighbor.
My neighbor informed the woman that the dog had not come from our building. Perplexed, both woman, still
thinking that the dog had gotten away sought safe-haven for the dog before they initiated attempts to find the
owner.
That was when my doorbell rang.
There they were with this little blond and blue/grey Silky on a leash. Both woman are cat owners and my neighbor
immediately thought of me to give the dog safe-harbor since she knew I had a Dalmation that had passed many
years ago and just maybe I would say, yes. How could I not say yes when I am such a dog lover at heart. And
being that the dog's stay would be temporary, for I too felt that the circumstances would lead us all to believe that
the dog had somehow gotten away and the owners discovered, in came this tangled-mess of a pooch who
immediately sought out my bathroom, leaped into the tub and relieved himself.
BONUS! Here is a dog who knew where to "go." Someone must be riddled with grief not knowing where their
well-trained friend was.
But after several weeks of waiting for a response to the extensive flyer and internet postings of a "lost dog found"
- the phone never rang. Did someone just let him go for they did not want him?
I did notice that the dog was toothless which allowed his tongue to dangle out of his mouth, and his eyes were
greyed over bringing again the fear that just maybe this dog was truly abandoned. By the way, a Silky is the
"Cousin It" of the dog show world. This guy had long, tangled hair and was truly in need of at least a bath.
Luckily I have friends who are dog groomers/pet store owners in Woodside. So into a car I went to Rainbow Pet
Supply to get this dog groomed for I was already thinking that I'd better get him looking good before I seek out
someone to adopt him. At the time I did not want another dog in my life to replace the memory of Petra, the
Dalmatian.
Later my groomer/friends called me to say that the hair was in such tangles that they suggested that a close-cut
trim was best. Ok! If anything, someone could start all over again and let his hair grow out. Now here is something
that still gives me a chuckle.
When I arrived to pick this now groomed, no-name dog, I was greeted this time by a closely-trimmed face which
looked like a brown bear. Voila! I now can give this dog a name, Teddy Bear . . . Teddy, for short.
I posted adoption notices on the internet and asked about if anyone was interested in an adoption. But there was
one requirement before I released this Teddy Bear into the arms of a new owner. The new owner must make an
Vet appointment to make sure that there were no terminal medical issues which may cause the new owner to
again abandon this dog. None of the parties who responded agreed, nor did they think a vet was needed - ever.
Guess what folks? I did not release Teddy to any of these parties . . . no way!
So bravely I made the decision that Teddy & I were meant to be together. So off to my veterinarian we went where
my vet concluded that with Teddy's loss of teeth and diminishing vision, this dog would be about 12 years old. But
there were no terminal illness. He assessment of Teddy's life-expectancy was maybe a good 5 more years.
Satisfied with the entire situation, Teddy Bear was now to be a permanent family member of my household.
BRIEF HISTORY AT 35-35 75TH STREET
Teddy enjoyed many walks around the hood, train rides down to Red Bank, New Jersey with me when I was still a
musical theater director, and spent many hours on the Hampton Jitney on-route to summer weekends in Sag
Harbor.
Ah, Sag Harbor. Teddy would romp around the yard, ride in my bicycle basket which by-the-way really was a
concession on my part to have a bike with a basket. But Teddy loved the many hours riding with me. We would
many times stop at the Long Wharf Harbor Park, order cracked lobster and lunch together. The best was when
pedestrians would point with glee at the dog in the basket with his tongue hanging out and squealing, "Oh how
cute!"
My vet, at Teddy's yearly check-ups would always say, "He still going?" He did not think it was possible for Teddy
to have lasted even though he gave his most optimistic assessment of 5 years.
Remember Teddy had no teeth and we had to cook his meals to soften it. Even when there was a steak bone to
be given, we did not hesitate. He enjoyed licking it and would shove it under furniture of appliances as if to bury it
for later.
Two months ago (March. 2011), I had started to notice that Teddy was favoring only his right hind leg. But then
things would get better, so I stopped worrying. But in May it got worst with no signs of improvement. It had been at
least three years ago that I had stopped Teddy from leaping into the tub to relieve himself between walks for he
was having trouble clearing the tub's outer rim. He was now trained to scratch at the bathroom door if he ever
need to go. Later he abandoned that routine and would just march into my home office and stand like a pit bull, or
run in and out of the kitchen signalling me to follow him to the bathroom.
It was not until two weeks ago that again the favoring of the right-hind leg really showed itself again.
Mind you Teddy was getting older and was starting to show signs of dementia when he would stare into corners,
or pace about my apartment through the night. There were many nights I was roused from my sleep by a thud and
a tumbling sound to find Teddy trying to ascend the steps out of my sunken living room.
But then he stopped walking all-together. He would not put his left-hind leg down to bear any weight. Now I had to
hold him while in the tub to relieve himself. Another vet visit was definitely in order.
BAD NEWS
My vet, on May 23, 2011 diagnosed that Teddy had ruptured his ACL ligament in his left-hind knee. Being that
Teddy was so old, he was not a candidate for corrective surgery for he would never come out of anesthesia and
the only hope was that Teddy would train himself to use only 3 legs. But there was a great chance that during this
retraining he would ruin his other hind leg.
Thinking that Teddy would rise to the occasion, we went home where I had to limit his mobility, as per my vet, to a
4' X 4' area.
I had to hold Teddy while he ate and drank -- held him while he urinated or defecated - which he would not. He
tried on his own to squat, but would fall.
Noticing a sadness in his eyes, he was starting to succumbed this debilitating condition. Note should be made that
Teddy was never a lap dog. But now he would seek comfort in my arms and would often fall asleep. It was not until
a few nights later that I again was roused from my sleep - this time by Teddy's moaning. He was in pain. What
should I do!!! He was already on pain killers and anti-inflammatory medications and yet he was in great discomfort.
I called my vet and gave him an update. My vet said, "Knowing Teddy's age and ailments, I would not put it
against you if you chose to put him down at this time."
Teddy's appetite was decreasing, he had not defecated in 3 days and his quality of life was quickly decreasing.
So I was faced to make the difficult and painfully emotional decision to bring forth a gentle passing to relieve
Teddy and allow him to pass away from all his pain.
Teddy was laid to rest at The Animal Medical Center at 10:10 PM. This coming August 8th (the day Teddy bear
showed up at my door), Teddy would have been 17 years young on august 8, 2011.
My partner and I will miss him greatly. There is a hollowness in our home and our eyes fill constantly with tears.
Teddy,
We will miss you greatly and you will never be forgotten.
We can only hope that now you can see, chew bones and run like the wind.
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU FOR EVER.
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