Growing up in Brooklyn

          Yes, I grew up in Brooklyn and loved it so much if I could afford to retire there, I might. If I could afford to retire there I'd live in Bensonhurst because Bensonhurst appears to not have been infected with an influx of crime and entitlement.
       I'd still love to go bike riding on shore road at my old retirement age. Yup, I'm old, but stuck in my teen years mentally. Aches and pains, yes I do but rarely does it stop me from being silly, crazy and having dreams.
        Definitely I'm in need of a newer car, yet how that's going to happen, I have no idea. My car has 233,000 miles on it and I'd need a vehicle that sits upright like a chair. So back to Brooklyn I go in my NY state of mind.
      P.S. 140 was the school on 59th st. and 4th ave-some say it was P.S. 118. My principal Mr/ Vitalo said it was 140 annex so that's what I'll go with. My dreams are to go roller skating once again, pizza in Brooklyn, a knish, a pastrami on Rye, an egg cream, sit on shore road with my friend, my grandchildren, family and or alone.
        Cobblestones streets and brownstones, ice cream cones, stick ball, apartment buildings, stoops and whispers late at night. Hot sweaty guys sitting out, sleeves rolled up or in those undershirts with bra like straps. Rock and roll music coming from transistor radios and kids getting dressed up for Friday night dances at the local churches, mostly OLPH.
          That was all wonderful and just as good was my mother making a huge pot of pea soup with sliced hot dogs . My father made hot rice, like rice pudding, but in those huge pots, so big it barely fit on one burner. There were eight kids so we used giant pots.
       Early Saturday Mornings someone, usually myself or my brother Roger would go to the bakery and deli. We bought enough rolls so we all had two, then at the deli baloney, cheese, ham and genoa salami. My father would clear our old formica table and cut every roll, spread them with mayo and mustard and line up the deli meats. Then he'd make two jugs of ice tea. We' take paper plates and paper cups and a trash bag. Off to Gerritsen beach where we'd drive right up onto the beach and the food would stay out of the sun. After swimming and running all over we were ready to eat around one o'clock, not before. I think about six or seven of us would pile into that old car, no seat belts. The only thing we took was excitement !
           IT seemed by five we were hungry again and then there was John ! John was the best food truck to come on the beach. He was so very dark black and for quite a while people wouldn't buy from him. They bought from a guy named Nick. Nick was short, dirty, dirty fingers, and creepy laugh and filthy truck. Little by little and we were one of the first, people started buying from John. John who stopped at our house on 56th st between 4th and 5th ave, to ask if Roger could work on his truck with pay and all he wanted to eat. John picked him up and dropped him off every day one summer.
         Roger was happy for more than one reason, he was out of the house. This was his summer of Happiness! I was happy for him and John had the best hot dogs ever. He was so clean, honest and just a good guy. Thank you John-well this was just a small piece about Growing up in Brooklyn. I loved it!

Jason Madden, Peter Luger, So Ho Sky Bridge

         Good Morning New York ! Good Morning So Ho and Peter Luger, surrounding businesses.
 Over a year ago I saw a photo print on Facebook and although living in Pennsylvania wanted to gift that print to a friend who lived in Brooklyn. I contacted Jason and the next day he delivered it. He didn't charge me a fee to do that. She fell in love with it !
        Later that night she called me and asked who took that amazing photo and I explained that I never met him but saw his work. From that point on he has proved himself over and over again with beyond amazing shots in the city, Brooklyn, movie re-enactment shots, weddings and more.
       When I saw his latest photo, my first thought was, this belongs in the fine restaurants in N.Y. As I am about to travel, writing this on my desktop and not as technical as many I have to see how to get this latest photo into my blog  I first saw this on my phone so for now find Jason Madden. Better yet for now, Look up Jason Madden on Facebook. Hang his photos high;you'll be happy you did !
 I'm sure as well that he can take any photo assignment you have.

Deadbeat Dads aka Slug Scum

        Okay I know right away people are saying women are deadbeats too, and yes that's true. However we have a nation of lowlifes who feel if they pay child support, they are so vindictive that it's only for the ex spouse, or girlfriend. Listen up slugscum. Child support pays, helps to pay, medical, dental, psychiatric if needed and if you have mental health problems, your child may too-again HOWEVER, if you have a child not raised like you were chances are the child or children have a better chance.

         You are, pay attention now, slug scum, to how child support is used; Heating bills are higher with children, groceries and more if you have a child with food allergies and milk allergies. Children have to go with the good parent, the sane parent, the parent whose ego has been put aside for their child, the parent whose needs are not first, unike you slug scum, to the grocery store, a doctor appontment with/for mom, and mainly where ever mom goes, baby goes. Slug scum do you understand now? Probably not. Your own wants and needs always came first.

           Your child who is with the wonderful parent needs clothing every year and as much as mom tries to be thrifty, it isnt enough. Your child needs shoes, sneakers, haircuts. You get them don't you slug scum?

           You buy fancy sneakers, tight shirts, probably, sports gear, movies, eating out, booze, cigarettes, haircuts and guessing you don't pay rent but mooch off friends, maybe paying little. I'm guessing too slug scum you have  a parent who has picked up after you financially all your life and now you short weasel you're not even thankful, but expect the good parent to pick up after you by letting it all go as if you don't have to pay for the child you made, or children. I say short because no matter your height, your short. Inside? You have nothing, you are nothing, you are slug scum!

          You, slug scum care about you. You are an actor who can easily pretend to care about a child to others, but as usual its all talk, as always, its all talk. 

       I'm just as sure emotionally your mother has her hand on your zipper, she who controls you, she is the face you see when you attempt to have sex with anyone. Maybe that's why you don't function like a responsible man. A MAN!  A man is not someone who may be, I say may be, an athlete, a salesman of the year, a musician, a celebrity etc. A Man is one who is accountable, responsible for his child and can set a role model figure to pass down, unless a slug scum!

         Statements are heard such as, I have to live too! BS! You don't have to live as if you're only responsible for yourself. YOU don't have to live a life of being able to live anywhere, fly anywhere, participate in anything you want financially, You have bills? HAh! What kind? You moocher! Now the mother of your child has bills, bills for two you slug scum!
           Your car is paid off by someone who picks up the pieces, I'm sure as you probably cried and cried. It's too hard for you to take public trnsportation or walk. You are a moocher and yet you expect your child to live off what? Who? Not you slug scum! You're a loser. Although I'm sure like many you paint a picture of being picked on, that your ex is demaning an unreasonable amount yet it's state logic that orders it you genius moron. You who like many insist you are smarter than courts, judges, lawyers, teachers-oh that's a laugh! Although you earn as much, yet you still want to deprive your child of needs. You are even less than slug scum. A slug is productive. You are not. Hopefully you losers, your mothers will have lessened the grip on your fly, and hopefully her face over time will fade from your bedroom, but I doubt it. It's a mental block you have slug scum. Where ever you are, she is, hand on the zipper, controlling. In the bedroom and out. On the field and out. In your car and out, in your pocket and out,with a girlfriend or boyfriend and without.  In the bathroom and out. How does that feel slugscum? You don't have a thought without her telling you what and how to think!
         You, are nothing, but your child or children with the Good PArent, the sane parent, the sweet parent, the kind and loving, the caring parent, the one who has put aside, fun, ego, dating, living for self-lives for that child, or children. In closing slug scum slides down the drain where it belongs.

Seamens Society, S.I. New York, Unfair Towards DAD ...ACS

       Recently I have become familiar with a family situation with sadly, two children are involved.
It is so deep that I am going to do my best to shorten it but to star with, the Dad in this is being railroaded! Sure two side to every story, so tell me if a man has proof that his wife texts him, I want 800. a month,  pay me every two weeks, no weekly, plus two hundred to pay my father, you can have her all you want, all I want is custody! But you have to sign paper. The woman is speaking of their child a nine year old. She has some broken English as she comes from Columbia, but she is very knowledgeable in having an income.
      This father has so much proof of children being left alone, not being fed properly, and even ACS -children's services in Staten Island sat and waited for mom to come home one day for hours, finally telling the male child to get his coat, they were leaving. The mother as she calls herself is on welfare, allowed to speak Spanish in meetings so the father doesn't know whats being said while the woman from SEAMAN'S SOCIETY chats with her about how their families come from the same village or town in Columbia! Nice, and so interesting that the father doesn't have anyone to translate, not interpret, but translate. He had an attorney who he paid in full. Yup the lawyer took his money and adios basically, not there  as this dad needs.

     Apparently it appears the mother here is being rewarded somehow for getting parenting classes while the father has to wait. WHY?? So it looks as if she cares and he doesn't ? He loved her and she became a citizen. He supported her and her son, loves him, gave her money as she wanted and needed, very often. He loved her and her son until he became a citizen. Now ten years are up and she dumps him, hate him, cant stand the site of him, BUT will basically sell her little girl in my opinion, keeping custody and he can have her all he wants. I've seen her texts to him, so much about money. She pressed charges and dropped them, hoping for money, then tried to press them again.
      This man needs a father rights attorney ! This man hasn't been a saint, but since he married this woman, he has more than tried to be a hard working husband and father. Then he heard rumors while separated and moved in with her. She allowed it as so did her welfare landlord as this man was now shelling out again, to both the landlord and his wife. He started to make her apartment livable. Mice, steps, and foundation breaking down, and he set mice traps inside and outside of the home.
   All the while this woman knew how she could get a new apartment and all expense paid by welfare...press domestic charges against this man. Yes, she learns fast about our laws, now her laws.
   In my opinion, ACS and the Seamen Society, both powerful agencies, are putting a very large screw to this man. By the way, I'm not too crazy about men, but I do believe in being fair.

       The Newspapers should know his story, an internal investigation of policy and compliance should happen, and an ACLU case should open in addition to a fathers rights attorney to be located ! Oh, I didn't forget-this is all supposed to be about "the best interest of the child/children ? Is it? The male child doesn't know how to stay safe and he's older. The little girl doesn't want to visit mommy when told.. These people, ACS and the SEAMENS SOCIETY appear to be working for whats in teh best interest of the female parent. Have they even bothered to care about proof ? Have they bother to care or do they just want this to go away so they can say, look what a good and speedy job we did.. Yeah, pat yourselves on the back...for taking away the rights of a father! Comprende'  

Shore Road Deli Brooklyn New York

        Recently on my trip to New York, I held off getting breakfast and finally decided I didn't want to eat while on the turnpike. Turnpike food is good enough and they do now offer a healthier side, but I craved a great roast beef sandwich. I stopped at this deli once before thinking it was like it always was, and would buy a knish. But on my stop before the most recent I found the deli was sold!
        NO!!!! Yet once inside I notice a totally different look, more spacious, a few little tables to sit and take your time and really very nice people behind the counter. So I ordered a roast beef sandwich since it looked so good and fresh. That was my first trip. The young man behind the counter was fantastic. not only polite but made eye contact. He cared about what I wanted and how I wanted it!
       This time, it did not surprise. He sorta of recognized me, made my roast beef sandwich, on such very fresh bread, added just the right mayo and a little salt. I added a portion of rice pudding, my favorite dessert. Cut in half, wrapped up well, I took off, thankful for this new Deli. I made sure to take a menu with me.  I couldn't wait for my first stop. Opening at a light that roast beef looked as if it was just cooked to perfection.
         I have to tell you I not only was not disappointed, but wished I ordered two! I savored it and ate slowly to really taste each bite. too often we munch down our food and don't know what it tasted like or even remember eating. Finished, and now into my rice pudding. Lordy, what a lunch ! Do your self a favor. If you want a great sandwich, not just okay, passable, good enough, you should please stop in at The Shore Road Deli-its located between 93rd and 94st  the actual address is - 9316 3rd ave. The phone number is-718-748-1065

  Thank you Shore Raod Deli, you made my trip home, so much better. Next visit, I'm bring my cooler :) Thank you also for the polite manner used with customers.

MTA Disses late Drivers Mom Staten ISland NY

     

 Please bear with me. I am a friend of the family for many years. The late Kevin Griffin an MTA bus driver in Staten Island who died three years ago of AML Leukemia left behind a grieving mother, a young daughter and many MTA friends, or so it was thought. Kevin's mom Sandy told me which office he worked out of and so we took a little ride while I was back In NY visiting.
        I wrote  a book donating two dollars from each sale to AML and St. Judes children's hospital. More people Kevin's age die from this. i'm not looking for fortune or have my name plastered as a writer. I enjoy writing and mainly to make people happy. This book had a purpose and that purpose gave hope to mom to finally start the grieving process.
             You see, her husband was killed two days before her son died. He was in  a hurry, ran across the street,  and thrown by a jeep who only had liability insurance.
      Sandy and I decided to go to the MTA and as we were closer to teh office she started to cry and talk, and talk. Sandy never fully grieved in three years. She lost her residence, her car and was homeless due to losing both her husband and son. Money was mismanaged by people she thought were helping. Yeah, helping themselves. Because they ere close to her, she couldn't bring herself to do anything. Still lost in the process of going back to work, paying bills, losing so much time from work she found herself without a place to live and was evicted. Everything, or almost everything is still in storage. Her now living situation is with an ex, his wife, her sister and now another son who I won't talk about.
     So when I go back to where I grew up Brooklyn, Sandy is the first person I see. She tells me she feels old, worn and useless, not cared about or cared for. Her mom lives in Brooklyn but in a senior home. Sandy feels to remain until her moms passing so she can keep an eye on mom. yet she also doesn't have any resources to move.
     Giving her hope, I let her know about the BOOK, Rev. Joe and the Construction Crew. sandy is in it, plays a big funny part through out and so is her son Kevin. They don'y play mom and son.
    Now we arrive at the MTA office/terminal on Castleton ave. in Staten Island yesterday Monday August22 nd, 2016  . There were four men outside and I said they with little respect at this time. One tall man who is bald asked what we needed if we had a complaint and when sandy and I tried to explain, he turned his back and started talking to another guy and at the same time, another man asked what we wanted. and both Sandy and I explain and about the donations from the book. He said, oh okay, you need the union rep. He's upstairs, I'll get him to come down.   This man said he knew Kevin Griffin.
                                          No one ever came down ! We arrived during the lunch hour which we hoped someone would take ten minutes and just listen, just listen and respond. Well we got a response alright. It was to ignore us!  twenty-two minutes later another driver walks up the ramp, asks if we need help. I explained we've been ignored and were told the union rep would be down. He said I'll get him to see you. Again, The same thing. What kind of men are these that not one would at the very least let us know the following: Sorry ladies, we're not interested, sorry ladies, he doesn't have time, sorry ladies, can you come back some other time, sorry ladies...something, but all we did get was a closed door.
    The book is 13.99 and I have 46 to sell. I can order more If anyone decides you would like one or two, just pay at pay pal to doozybags. Thats my pay pal name and I make bags, write on my blog and am an honest person trying to just do a little bit of good and would never, ever do what the MTA IN STATEN ISLAND at the CASTLETON office did to us-ignore.
    Some of these same men were flirty to other female drivers but they couldn't take five minutes out of flirting to just say, we're not interested. Sandy was hoping to see and take a picture of her late son's photo which was hung in the upstairs office. But she was ignored. Her son Kevin went in so many days when he was sick, dying because he didn't want to leave anyone down. Yesterday they let him and his mom down. Men?
                      

Muslims Block Alpine in Brooklyn, TAKE BACK....

        Facebook removed teh photos of Muslims blocking an old Movie theater, The Alpine on 69th st. and 5th ave in Bay Ridge Brooklyn. Why did FB remove it? Bleeding Heats liberal company? Or Was it not to continue the agitation we all feel as losing our lands to Radicals.
       As far and long as I can remember, no one is allowed to block a public street or sidewalk, so how is it they get away with these things? Where are the police arresting these people. They have mosques, homes, and there are public places like parks, but no, they want to show their asses to AMERICA in defiance as if to say, WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT??? They get away with protesting our kids praying in schools, yet look at what they gat away with!
     We have to stand up, unite, wear our own religious symbols and get back to the roots of our own religions.
     These people know we have let our faith go by the wayside and they unite using their faith as an excuse as to why they are allowed and get away with taking over streets, cities, boro's, states. In this, our United States we have:

•  Catholics
• Lutherans
• Protestants,
•  Baptists
• Pentecostal
• Jews
• Orthodox Jews
• The Greek Faith

....and so many more, but we have to get BACK. Excuse me if I made errors concerning the correct faith wording, but you get my drift, so now, DRIFT BACK to your Churches. UNITE AMERICA! Before you end up bowing in prayer to MECCA, or.... side by side Christians & Jews unite, Americans, take it back.

Oscar, Green Eyes-Brooklyn Long Ago

       I thought this may be a better way to see if I can learn about Oscar. He was about the nicest kid in school and was in my class in the eighth grade at P.S. 140, the original school on 59th st. and 4th ave. Some called it 118, some 140.
       Well what I can tell you about Oscar is he was very tall, lanky, kind and soft spoken. He was already filled with wisdom, more than most of the adults I knew. When things went wrong in class and Oscar would notice some kid going wild, Oscar would saunter up, put his hand kindly on that kids shoulder and that kid who wanted to fight would stop and settle down. I can still hear him say, okay Oscar, if you say so.
       I remember too Oscar's hair. He had it filled with some kind of hair grease like one of my brothers used-yuck. You would be one sorry kid if you grabbed my brothers' hair, grabbing and sliding backwards at the same time. But somehow with Oscar It worked. His hair looked like a series of ocean waves, dark brown, yet had some lighter highlights, enough to notice the swirls, the curl in front. He had a great smile and I'm pretty sure he was Spanish. His hands were strong and he had long piano fingers.
     Oscar had a smile that fit his personality and I never heard anyone say anything bad about him. He was just a kind, kind kid in a body filled with wisdom and love for humanity. That's how I saw him and I hope someone reads this, knows him and lets me know how he is. my contact is Nancymellow@ aol.com
If you know Oscar, I'm sure you know what I mean.

Pepito Roman-Romano Brooklyn NY

       Living in a huge apartment building there were many faces, big and small families, some doing well and some not doing so well. This building located at 328-59th st. Brooklyn had a very special little kid. He was Puerto Rican and his name was Pepito, but his last name is sketchy as there were two families with similar last names. One was Roman, one Romano. One family Peurto Rican and one Spanish. these two families were a world apart. What I do remember is Pepitos' mother used to make great Spanish rice and always remembered me when she did make it and for that alone I have fond memories of her.
       Pepito was a funny little kid, small in size and chubby. His best friend was my brother Roger who he would yell, ROOGER! ROOGER! ROOGER coming out? So like many, every once in a while I wonder what ever became of Pepito. So Pepito if you recognize yourself here, e mail me at Nancymellow@aol.com---we lived on the first floor and you on the second. I only remember you and your mom, but I was only nine. I hope you are happy and well :)

Stop & Go Deli, Brooklyn NY

       On a recent trip to Brooklyn which was too short, I stopped at a couple of deli's in Bay Ridge.  For those who don't know what a deli is, it's short for delicatessen. Every time I'm in Brooklyn I try a new deli out. Usually I stay at a local hotel and everything I would need is in walking distance, if I needed anything. The hotel is on 84  street and 4th ave. So the first night I walked up to a deli on 5th ave. and 84th street. Don't go there. There were two men in the store. One sat on a step behind the counter while the other young man asked what I wanted, all business. I told him and he asked what kind of  bread, a roll or hero. I chose a roll, wrong choice. To be honest it was about 8:00 p.m. and rolls do get stale when left in the wood boxes with a plastic cover by then. This one tasted like it came from the day before. The lettuce was wilted and brown. Because I was hungry and back at the hotel I ate the smaller half, and threw the rest away. I decided right then that was a last trip at that deli.
        Now if you're a shopper and like to walk, two blocks away is a deli on 4th ave and 86th st. I wish I could tell you the name because there are two and one is so very much better, so it's up to you.

       Here is what I found to be a five star rating Deli: It's named Stop and Go ! The address is 7618 3rd ave. Before I get into this experience, I know you can shop at food Lion or a large grocery store, buy lunch meats, bread, rolls,  condiments etc.  Also think about lines, unless you don't mind and getting a parking place in a small lot and does the hotel have mini-fridges'?
       Now back to STOP & GO. This deli is run by Alex and his brother Isaac.  I was blown away by the sincere attitude, smile and attention both of these men gave me as I ordered. We chatted as I let them know on different days how impressed I was with the cleanliness! Prices are fair and reasonable. They offer a nice variety of lunch meat sandwiches, but not so much, that you stand there reading a huge deli board. This deli is just right :)  STOP & GO !
       My first visit I ordered a roast beef on a roll with mustard and a little mayo. Alex gave me just what I ordered. You know how many deli people never listen and slap a load of mustard and mayo on, so much it slides all over and outside of the bread or roll, making one sloppy mess? When I got back to the hotel, relaxed , got comfortable and took that first bite, I knew I would be back as often as I wanted a freshly made sandwich in a clean environment with nice people who made you fell welcomed and thanked you for your business. They smile! What a wonderful feeling If they owned a hotel I would be their forever guest!
         That day I was in twice and knew before I left to go back home, I would stop there again, buy a sandwich for the trip and would enjoy the freshness, fair prices and people who appreciated business. The next day I didn't see Alex but another man behind the counter, just as friendly and when I asked for a roast beef sandwich, he told me, "oh I am so sorry, we are out of roast beef." If you saw his face, he was truly sorry. It was almost cute, he looked  how I felt. No roast beef! In a deli? Guess I had it all the day before. So what I thought. Whatever I buy here will be great and boy was it. Isaac asked my name . Who does that in these days. People just want your money, and rarely any eye contact or smiles. Not at STOP and GO.
         At STOP and GO Isaac made me a turkey sandwich on whole wheat bread. Lettuce and tomato with mustard and mayo, just right amounts, and he gave me a cup of coffee on the house! What a place! I was a guest, a visitor, so don't go running in and ask for a free coffee. These men deserve every penny they earn. We talked a little more and it was time for me to leave. I stopped in Jersey, pulled over and had my sandwich.
         You just won't believe it. That bread tasted like it just came freshly out of the oven! No where on the turnpike would I get a sandwich like that. The value is more than fair. So when you're in Brooklyn, look for 7618, 3rd ave and they have a big red and white awning outside that shows
STOP & GO. Tell Alex and Isaac, Nancy said hello and thank you again.

Moving Back To Brooklyn

       Is it possible? As expensive as it is to live in New York is it possible to move back ? It isn't like living there from day one and getting into a rent controlled apartment or buying a home for fifty thousand dollars.
       So here I was last night dreaming about moving into a Brownstone across the street from where my friend lived on 57st above 6th ave in Bay Ridge Brooklyn. Who doesn't love a Brownstone? So in my dream my friend is telling me I wouldn't be able to afford it, and I told her, well I'll make a call first and see how much they want. They wanted only 170,000.00

     I told my friend I can do that, no problem. She just laughed. But somehow that dream moved to another area in Brooklyn, wrought iron railings on the brownstone and the neighborhood was so much more crowded with people jamming the sidewalks. In the dream I didn't have any idea where I was but made another phone call. This time I met with a small woman of Chinese descent who told me the house was at a very good price, only 2.3 million dollars. I said thank you, looked at my friend and said no way.

    I guess that the last part of my dream was more reality, a true wake up call as I soon woke up. Thinking about this dream I knew I would not be moving back, although I hope to at some point. I want to wake up, go for a walk on a sidewalk, stop at a diner, grab coffee and a bagel, go to the beach in winter or fall. Maybe summer too:) I want to stand and watch boats in the harbor pass and look at the Verrazano Bridge,  maybe go to the theater, or take a drive to the island. Long Island for those who don't know, "the island".

    The cultures too are what I miss. I love going to Bensonhurst, Italian bakeries, 13th ave, Jewish delicacies, watching the Norwegian  Day parade every year, St. Patty's Day, Polish Kielbasi (but don't care for it) Spanish Rice which I love and much more.

    I'll still go up to visit as I left my heart in Brooklyn, but a bigger piece of my heart first and foremost is with my children who live in other states. So for now and maybe forever this will continue to be my residence, home to my children when they visit and home for me when they visit. It's true, home is where the heart is, anytime any place.

Ron and a Spalding Ball

    

  For some time now, this gentleman has been making home improvements to state it as a matter of fact. But more than that, he offers suggestion, always with a gentle few words such as, "now I'm not saying you should, just think about it". He's usually right on target. Anything from rototilling  a garden to fixing doors, cutting down brush, picking up and moving concrete blocks and hauling it away, measuring and replacing bathroom tiles, checking roof vents, put up a side awning, storm doors, well I can't think of more off the top of my head-oh yes, he has even driven over to do my driveway, snow removal.
      Ron has also at times given a little bit of manly advice to a kid here or there in my home. Now if he could just cook!
       While I feel guilty knowing he's working so hard, I really want to lay down on the sofa, put on the TV and rest. I am trying to improve things in the home, room by room and now my biggest issues is the kitchen, but day to day I get a little more done.
       Now, the spalding ball and Ron. Today he is outside clearing away years of junk piled up and comes across a "spaldeen", as we as kids always called it but officially a spalding ball, small, pink and happy. Lost in the debris of leaves, tires, iron posts and wood, it finds Ron. Yes, I know Ron found it. Yes, as many times as kids have been playing there, in all the last fifteen years, no one found it. You see that little ball was only meant to be found by a guy from Brooklyn. I am also from Brooklyn, made sense. I washed it right away. But years of dirt grabbed onto the pink surface. Like us, we wear away, yet underneath, we're just like that spalding ball, anxious to pop up again.
     Stepping inside Ron, bounces the ball and tells me look what I found; remember stick ball? Boy did I!  I could hit two sewers. This was the happiest part of my day. There's noting at all like a childhood memory from where a person grew up to bring a sparkle of happiness along with a step of youth, pictures of the block, friends and nostalgia. The windmills of our minds as the song goes. Thank you Ron, for all of your  hard work and the memory, refreshed.

One Generation in Your Name?

       Names are so confusing in these times. Many years ago we identified with a name and able to tell a heritage. Now people of so many races have a same last name as well as cultures. My last name is important to me only because of my children. In that I am thinking of adding a name so I have both last names of my kids, all grown up as they are and probably wouldn't care. But I also identify strongly with my mothers last name as it's so cultural. It's Norwegian. My male parent as you can tell I hesitate to mention parent was Scottish and English. I minimally identify with that side, and mainly I am known to myself as a Viking !

     Here is why I write about this. A sad time ago, and not long ago a family member mentioned to my child that she's still a------- and always will be weather she likes it or not. I said nothing but it burned in me. This was at a funeral of a child, not the place nor time to get into crap, and I will never as I know if my child feels it necessary to correct anyone about her name, she will indeed. Both of my children are very strong about their side of history, family, lands and belonging, as am I.
    When you have name and you want your kids to be part of that name it should be a name you feel proud of. My childhood last name isn't something I would ever be proud of. Maybe I take it too serious and maybe it isn't the name, but a person or persons and those horrible growing up years.
    I'm sure many reading this understand that. Some things no matter how you change, no matter how you grow in spite of that family, just don't wash away.

    On another note. What about kids who are adopted ? Don't they have a right to have inserted somewhere in their name a family member they can trace. Aren't they owed some choice ? I know there are sucky parents who lose their kids and many kids don't want to find them but many do. In some sad situations it's a matter of mental health, yet I know people who over time change and receive the proper help, so why shouldn't a kid get a chance to know that parent. Then there are people so mentally unstable, they have a lot of kids who also carry the gene, become mentally unstable yet with today's Mental Health help, they have a better chance at MH improvement. So do they have a right o know who their parents are? Whew and I do take a deep breath as I write this-I don't know. It's all individual.
      Time to almost say good-night, sleep well, and make your name who you want to be. :)

Preachers, Stop SCREAMING !!!!

        What is it about some preachers, mainly as I hear them on TV that they feel they just have to scream in a horse voice, yelling, screaming as if we can't hear them? Is it cultural? I do see more Black preachers who are screaming, but I have seen as many white preachers screaming? So are we supposed to become better in our spiritual walk because they scream?
        Right Now I have Td Jakes on and just too lazy to get up and change it. I like him when he's sitting down talking. But preaching ? Nope I do not need a man yelling at me, whatever his reason may be, however he justifies it. There is another black preacher I really do like, Fred Price. He talks to people, he preaches and gives lessons, much like Charles Stanley. I have heard Pastor Prices son preach and just not the same. One day he was yelling and yup, I changed the channel.
       We do not need people yelling at us to hear. I'll take Fred Price over Jakes any day. Maybe this puts more in the collection plate, wakes people up who need to or want to be screamed at, but is this part of a certain type of TV preaching? Put on a show, become an actor...and then get paid.
       There was a little round fat white guy who yelled when he preached, wore a come over....Morris Cerullo. I enjoyed his show for a while when he talked but stand up and preach/yell, you can keep that. Then we had Jimmy Swaggart, fake crier, Jimmy Bakker, well we know what happened to him, but he has made a comeback and seems humbled by his sins, or by being caught.
        I know of  local pastor who has that something that makes you want to listen. He can reach a sermon as if he's telling a story and his stage presence is perfect. We all know preachers have to have a hook, just like any other business. His hook is that he makes it feel each and every time that he is not just to preach at you but to teach to you.
        As a kid I met Billy Graham and besides my youth pastor, Pastor Don Smestad, Billy Graham changed a part of me inside which kept my eye on what's right, doing right and doing what a person can do help another. You don't have to have money to help, all you need is an ear, a hand, a cup of tea or coffee. Think about this when you think about tithing , give to your local church, not TV. You have a realistic idea about where your money is going when you give to a local church and if you don't go physically, mail it in. Sundays isn't for everyone. We are all different, work different hours, have different needs or are retired, or other responsibilities. Every dollar helps, just keep it local.
     

He was only 32 !

    I know, what about old people, so take from this what you can and use it.
This morning I notice a picture of a young man. He was 32, jumped off his home in Brooklyn NY. But he was just thirty- two !  The possibility of anyone doing anything for him is slim at the time, but who knows. His family did say he was having a hard time again lately.
   If someone wants to help a person with depression do this:

• Give them your phone number
• buy them a headset
• talk to them about doctors & meds ( have they missed doses? )
• see if they have family, family that is still family
• ask about hobbies and give
• see what you can do or others, like buy a months of bus passes
• check out a local Mental Health Association
• find out if they go to church
• ask about education, books, vacations, journals, music
• see if they like to garden and get a few garden boxes/containers
•  ask if they are allowed to have a pet if they rent
• be a friend

We lose too many young people because of mental health problems, loneliness, drug and alcohol abuses and I know we all do our best . As adults many will do as they're going to do anyway, so do what you can do.Maybe one day you will be that one person to change a life.

Really ,a Best Friend?

       Lately I have been hearing about being someones best friend.  Over and over one after another I heard what best friends they were, yet one is gone, and it may not have been prevented no matter what.
        They brag on social media about being best friends. Really ? How is it you are a best friend to a person who has addictions and participate with them. You don't unless one of two things. You're not a best friend at all, not even close or you have your own addictions. Misery loves company.
       The people left behind are the real best friends, the ones who didn't participate with the addictions, but went out to eat or shop or just spend time, it was the parents, aunts, uncles, brothers and one very special cousin, maybe a few I didn't know about because other cousins are pretty good people too.
       Yet those best friends are seen once again on social media pages at the same places, no longer wounded but participating again with another who may also be addicted. When do we learn? When does it stop? Be a real best friend. Walk away from those places. Meet at a restaurant, a movie, your home, go bowling  and so much more in life that's available.
      Think about happiness, real, not under the influence happiness, or phony friends. Be a better friend, because your kind of friendship is a dime a dozen.

Autism-The Amazing Kids Club-Do You Have One ?

     I live not far from a place called The Amazing Kids Club. It's a place for kids, ages up to twenty or twenty -two to come to who have some form of autism. They must however be diagnosed with PDD to get in, at least here with this particular club. If they do not have that diagnosis, a doctor once explained to, will usually make it so.
      In this club there are also many parents involved and they call themselves FOAK, Friends of Amazing Kids. Whatever you need to know, they can tell you or find out weather it be concerned about devices, insurance, therapy and making friends as well as being so supportive of one another. The guy who leads this group last time I went there was a vet and beside his twin sons who are autistic, this man is patient, stern, strong, smart and aware of what parents face as much as what is ahead for these kids.
    This club is in Hanover Pennsylvania. I've looked them up to see where others are available as I wanted one closer to home-don't we all. Hanover was the best choice and so I am glad to have had some time with them, learned about the club, the people who work there and the kids. They have an after school program as well as after school.
   This club offers computers, am inside trampoline, a room with crafts,a touch room and so much more. Summertime arrives and kids get to go out to parks, an ice cream day etc. They also learn life skills at the club.
     If you don't have one where you live, get some people together, get grants and start one. You won't be sorry

Hello Salty Dog !!! Great Visit

       HELLO Brooklyn ! 
          
                       I was lucky enough to stop in for lunch on Friday, yesterday. Driving up from Pennsylvania, all I could think about was my as always first stop, The Salty Dog. I brought a teen with me who took a while to take it all in for a day trip. He's not an average teen, but a kid with some disabilities. I let him order whatever he wanted and he ordered Shrimp Scampi. It's been a while since I've had Scampi  as my usual is their great bacon cheese burger, cooked again as always perfect, medium.
     So this kiddo dipped into his scampi and he's s slow eater, enjoys his food. Without expression he tells me, this is really great Shrimp Scampi and I love this place. He asked questions, looked at the photos on the wall and I asked him to sit with the famous spotted firehouse pet, Salty as I call him. He let me know too how nice our waitress was. He said, she was really friendly to me.
    Megan our waitress, was friendly. This trip I was lucky enough to walk in just minutes before the lunch crowd poured in and this time I was lucky enough to take another look around, have a chat with Megan who I never made time for before as I just get so distracted. Megan took time with us, welcoming us and remembered me too which is always nice.
   My bacon cheeseburger as asked on rye bread, was mouth watering. It's a rare thing for me to get a half decent burger anyplace, so when I come up to Brooklyn I know I have not just great food to look forward to, but wonderful people. Megan I am very thankful for the time you gave us and paying the same attention to my young guest. He left feeling important and satisfied, as did I. On our way home, he asked so are you going back to the Salty Dog for supper? I do every time, but this trip, unfortunately I had to leave the Salt behind :)
    The Salty Dog is the place to be.  Kelly, Congrats ! Hope to see you all next month.
   

Thank you, Bay Ridge Brooklyn !

        Recently I was taken back in conversations to my old school by someone else who attended a few years after I did. A story was recounted about a teacher and the building itself. But it was more about the people, games and the times, all memories to sustain for many years. I've been back to that old school. It was torn down years ago and replaced by an ugly (in my opinion) brown building with small windows and looks like a prison. I want to go back just to check out-the inside.
      I am thankful for all of the memories affecting me in a few different ways, but ways that, even though changed who I was meant to be, made me. They just made me. Besides how do I know who I was meant to be? How do any of us, until we are that is, until we are.
      One of my favorite memories is skating on cobblestone streets, mainly my own, fifty-ninth street between third and fourth avenues. Neighbors sitting outside watching over us kids, some retired, some moms and dads off work, and some who just took time to be watchful. Those wonderful people who as kids we didn't always think so wonderful. But I think I was a bit different. I loved looking out for the adults as they did for us. My looking out was a bit more selfish.
     For instance, take Mrs. Romano. She was Puerto Rican, lived on the second floor in my building and made the best Spanish rice I ever tasted. Years later working in Mental health there was a department called Senderos (The Path) and I hung out there as much as my time allowed, even volunteered a few groups. Yup, they called me down anytime they were cooking and  made a special plate loaded with Spanish rice. As I took it to my desk I was always asked by other staff, how do you rate? My answer? A mouthful of rice and a smile.
     Well Mrs. Romano would bring rice to just to me and finally one day my mother told her I couldn't have it anymore, that her husband said it wasn't right that only Nancy gets some. That bothered Mrs. Romano so what she did then was make the rice, give me a wink and I would run to the second floor, eating a big bowl on the white marble steps. If I heard my mother call, I'd quickly scrape the bowl and rush downstairs. Immediately my mother could smell something on me and ask if I was up at Mrs. Romanos eating Spanish rice. I lied of course, but what I said was, "no mom, honest, I was just talking to her and her door was open." I knew she knew I was lying and all she would say was,don't let your father catch you.
     Another Spanish family, The Romans lived on the third floor. They dressed better than anyone in the whole building, well except for us of course. We were about the same on dress-up days. Mr. Roman spoke with a lisp, had big ears, perfectly parted hair and his nails were manicured ! His wife wore red lipstick and brightly colored dresses with many prints and flowers. Her high heels were never higher than her husbands height. If I remember right, they had twin boys. I had a lot of respect for this family. They set a tone in me about dress and class that just stuck.(But you should see me now :) ) My first visit to a beauty parlor was on the corner of third avenue and sixtieth street. It was a Spanish place and they loved to work with a lot of hair, which I had.
       Those ladies made me beautiful one day for a school dance, where I danced with Mr. Vitalo, my principal. My hair was dark brown with some lighter highlights and it was curled up high with banana curls draped down to my shoulders. That was the first time I knew I was pretty. Even the ladies kept telling me in Spanish that I was pretty and they took my picture.
     It was the cultures that made Bay Ridge what it was. While many didn't like new cultures move in, enough of others did to make it better. It was my father most of all who didn't like anyone who was of Spanish origin or "colored" as the term was then, yet as mean as he was he made very good friends with a man from Jamaica.
      A bunch of kids were sitting on the stoop when John came up the steps of the Brownstone. John was very dark black and he owned a lunch truck. That truck was so bright white that John stood out on the beach more than anyone. John and an Italian guy each had a lunch wagon and were worlds apart. John was immaculate with himself and his business. Nick, the other guy was, well, horrible. Besides being dirty himself,  his food was to be carefully examined when we ordered hot dogs. The beach makes you hungry that you just get desperate. John lived on fifty-ninth street between second and third avenues.
     When he came to our door we couldn't imagine what he wanted. We already bought plenty from him on the beach. No one could beat his manners, personality and food as well as cleanliness. Well it wasn't long before we found out he wanted one of my brothers to work for him on his lunch wagon. The worst thing he said was, and he can eat all he wants. John told us where he lived so if we wanted we could check him out. But we already knew he could be trusted. Some people are just that way.
       We had games like stoop ball, box ball, hit the stick, stick ball, punch ball, running bases and too many more. There was one thing all games had in common.  No batteries. Brooklyn was battery free. All it took was good people, fire escapes, hot summer nights with music coming from any open window, winters with snow so high we made the best tunnels, mountains and snowball fights on the East Coast. Shovels could be heard scraping the streets, people laughing and helping, cold breaths from walkers and food. The food that to this day just doesn't compare to anywhere else in the world. Thank you Bay Ridge!

Shop Etsy.com, It's worth it

     In case you haven't tried Etsy yet, just take a few minutes and search for what you're looking for. Etsy does charge to place photos for those of us who have shops, minimal and then paypal charges another fee, but small. All in all a very worth while stage for your shopping ventures.
    etsy.com      I am listed as Viking328  About every day I add something new, but usually bags of different kinds. Today I made a Puppy/dog set of totes@ 10.98 I also have a beautiful skirt bag. Now that was time consuming but all of my products are triple stitched. Prices are very reasonable and I think my lowest price is 5.95